Worry. Is there anything in the world more pointless than worry? A couple of weeks ago I was worrying about something for a day or so and finally I got frustrated and forced myself to rationally look at the reality, that worry was not helping in that situation one bit. In fact… it was actually having a negative effect upon the situation because my focus was on the issue… not in God’s provision. Often we worry over events that we have absolutely no control over, and if we are worrying over something that we do have control over… then the most reason response would be to take whatever action is necessary to simply resolve the situation.
Jesus told a parable once in Luke 12 about a rich farmer whose field had produced a bounteous crop. Selfishly, the man determined to increase his storage capabilities so that he could hoard his good fortune and enjoy life. But what the man failed to realize was that his life was about to be cut short, and he would never have the chance to enjoy his retirement. He thought he was secure in life, but the truth is he actually had no control over the length of his own life.
Then Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life and if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?” Luke 12:22, 25-26 (NLT)
I get it, we sometimes will struggle with the unknown and that struggle has the potential to lead to anxiety, but Jesus challenges us to place our trust in Him rather than fixating on what we have no control over. Just a bit further in Luke 12 he would say, “Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” Luke 12:29-31 (NLT)
As we face issues in our world like the Coronavirus, let’s certainly take wise precautions and act responsibly, but let’s also remember just who is in control — not just of our life, but also of the whole world. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Jesus — the author and perfecter of our faith.
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