God Upholds All Things
Worry Series
“our worrying can become toxic in our relationships as we neglect our responsibilities to those closest to us in order that we might achieve a sense of security. We also become overcome with emotion and it can be difficult to think rationally and make sound decisions. In reality, by clinging so desperately to a sense of security we are actually doing more damage than good...”
“And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”
Explanation:
Coming off of the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21), Jesus now has a springboard to enter into his teaching about worry in light of life’s basic provisions. He anticipates the possible objections to his teachings against the pursuit of wealth for wealth’s sake, and opens up his discussion about God’s providence for his children. For example, in contrast to the rich man described in the previous parable, the ravens don’t sow seed or reap a harvest. Unlike the rich man, they have not even have a single barn in which to store their grain for years to come. Yet, God still provides for them. Obviously, God values you more than he values the ravens, so Jesus wants us to see this in perspective. What is interesting about this is that ravens were an enormous nuisance. If he provides for the despised ravens, he will surely provide for his children in Christ. Moreover, no amount of anxiety or worrying or scheming will ever add an hour onto your life. If anything, the constant stress about provisions may cut your life short! And what’s more, the lilies of the field are adorned even more than Solomon, and they don’t even try! After all, all of the “great” kingdoms and nations of the world go out of their way to thwart the inevitable. But it is Jesus’ “little” flock who has already been given the kingdom. Therefore, do not fret or worry about provisions, because all has already been provided for in Christ.
Connection:
The admonition not to worry strikes us as odd in many ways. We are nearly wired in every way to be concerned about everything all the time. From bills, to family issues, to our career, there is always something to be worried and anxious about. The pressures of life make it difficult to shift our perspective from the imminent to the eternal. As such, our worrying can become toxic in our relationships as we neglect our responsibilities to those closest to us in order that we might achieve a sense of security. We also become overcome with emotion and it can be difficult to think rationally and make sound decisions. In reality, by clinging so desperately to a sense of security we are actually doing more damage than good.
Jesus understood the tendencies of human beings to worry about every detail in their lives, and he knew that even the most well intentioned efforts can have devastating consequences in our relationship with God and with one another. Because he understands our ways, he makes it a point to teach us to look at things differently. He changes our perspective by helping us to see that it is not we who are in control, but the sovereign God of the universe who upholds all things. It is only by his word that anything at all exists, and it is ultimately he who provides all that we need. Therefore, he admonishes us to shift our focus from ourselves to God and to one another. For if he feeds the ravens who do not worry, and adorns the lilies of the field who do not toil, then he will surely bless his laborers in his vineyard.
Action:
1. Care for Yourself -
Often, we have very poor methods for coping with life’s stresses and demands. However, there are proven actions we can take to help us keep things in perspective. For example, a regular exercise routine can help reduce our stress levels and keep us in a healthy state of mind. Making sure we are getting plenty of rest can also help us to maintain our healthy balance.
2. Keep Things in Perspective -
Sometimes our automatic impulse is to worry ourselves sick with how we should provide for ourselves or our families. Jesus wants us to curb this impulse by taking a step back and looking at the big picture. Instead of making ourselves sick with worry, we should thank God for what he has provided for us and pray that he provides the basic provisions we need as his children.
3. Remain in Prayer -
Paul tells us that we should pray unceasingly (1 Thes 5:16-18). When we remain in prayer our focus is shifted from ourselves to God. This can help us to keep things in perspective and to focus on the eternal picture instead of obsessing over things we cannot control.