Articles
The Choice of Worry
I have a question I would like for you to pause and consider. Have you ever seen a bird that was starving? I have asked this question to several people in the last couple weeks. Interesting enough, no one I have spoken with has ever observed a bird that was starving.
In Luke 12:23-26, Jesus gives us a wonderful lesson about worrying, using birds as something we can all observe. Jesus challenges us to think about how the ravens don’t sow seed or reap the crops from the fields. The ravens also don’t store up their food in barns. Yet, our heavenly father feeds them. Go outside and look for yourself. You can observe that God is faithful in Jesus’s example.
Jesus continues in verse 24 with a reminder that you are more valuable to God than the birds. After all, you were made in God’s image, not the birds. So why do we worry our lives away when God has told us he will take care of us? I believe the answer comes down to control. We worry about the things we can’t control. Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes 9:11 that the race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor the bread to the wise, nor the riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all. Solomon teaches us that there are simply things we just can’t control.
So how do we push away the worry that comes from being out of control? I love what Jesus teaches us in Luke 12:32, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”. Jesus teaches us that God wants to take care of us! What a comfort this should be. We see from the entire parable that God will not only care for you here, but also has prepared for you a place after your time here. God has provided everything!
As we consider all these things, we are left with choices. Will I put my trust in myself so I can control my own pathway? Or will I put my trust in God who is the creator of all things?
Please take a moment this week to go outside and observe the birds. See how God cares for them. Consider the ways God cares for you. He loves you. He will take care of you. You can put your trust in the teachings of Jesus and choose to give up your worry. But that choice is yours.
- the-choice-of-worry.pdf (49.42 kB)
