📸Photo credit: This amazing photo was taken by one of my former students, Malva.
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the crop]; they have no storehouse or barn, and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add one hour to his life’s span? So if you are not even able to do a very little thing [such as that], why are you worried about the rest? Consider the lilies and wildflowers, how they grow [in the open field]. They neither labor nor spin [wool to make clothing]; yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass which is in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You of little faith! So as for you, do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink; nor have an anxious and unsettled mind. For all the [pagan] nations of the world greedily seek these things; and your [heavenly] Father [already] knows that you need them. But [strive for and actively] seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid and anxious, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. “Sell your possessions (show compassion) and give [donations] to the poor. Provide money belts for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing and inexhaustible treasure in the heavens, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:24-34 AMP)
REFLECTION
“What Is Worry? The Dictionary of Bible Themes defines Worry as, “A sense of uneasiness and anxiety about the future. Scripture indicates that such anxiety is ultimately grounded in a lack of trust in God and his purposes.”” – Reference: Worry and Anxiety: Biblical Perspective
Whenever I see a rainbow, I’m reminded of God’s promises (see Genesis 9:12-17). And when I worry, it reveals that I need to more deeply believe His promises. When we worry, we can either get caught up in a whirlwind of worry (which only exacerbates an already stressful situation) or we can turn to our compassionate Creator and prayerfully process the reasons why we are worried, then renounce worry and persistently pray and ponder His perfect promises until the peace that only He can give guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 4:7). Let’s do the latter and deal with realities, confident in Christ. Hallelujah!
PRAYER POEM
Loving Lord Jesus ~ for every time I have given in to worry, I’m truly sorry. You are always worthy of my worship and trust, for You alone know what I really need, when and why. So to You I turn and on You I rely.
