22 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. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 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! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 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. 28 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! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
As a second generation worrier (my mother was a worrier before me, and let's be honest, had I known my grandma, she was probably a worrier too), I've heard this passage many, many, MANY times in my life. It was posted above my computer my freshman year of college when I was having problems with my eyes (caused by stress) and losing 25 lbs the first semester while everyone else gained their freshman 15.
And it is relevant in my life today as my husband pastor's a small church and my children grow, each year needing more and more expensive things (have you ever figured out how much a school lunch really costs you over the year?!)
I posted it today in the English Standard Version specifically for v.32 "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
I sometimes feel so small, so insignificant compared to other's that are doing great things for Jesus. But I'm still part of His flock, of His family. And as my Father, he wants to give me good things, He wants to care for me. For all of us.
So when I read it from that standpoint, of a Father saying "I have it all, and I want it to be yours" I see these verses as a spiritual challenge. As something you have to practice and conquer every day.
Do not worry. Do not be anxious. Trust.
Or as it is written in Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.
3 comments:
I needed that reminder today. Thanks Tiffany!
I love how this whole passage is worried. The "fear nots" come across as so caring, so empathetic. I love the fact that when we're told not to fear the reason we don't need to fear is because of who our God is and that He is with us. Such a comfort!
*worded, not worried! Kinda funny since worrying is the topic :)
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