“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? (Luke 12:22-25)

     I could come up with a long list of things to worry about, but Jesus tells us quite plainly “do not worry!” God knows our needs; this is pointed out as Jesus refers to the ravens, and how God attends to their needs.  Shouldn’t we trust that our needs will also be met?  Jesus makes another important point in vs. 25, telling us that we are certainly not going to increase our lifespan by worrying!

     A good way to relieve our anxiety is to give it to God by bringing our needs to him in prayer.  “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:31) It sounds so simple, but true.  A heavy burden can be lifted off our shoulders when we know that God is looking out for us. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I should know by now that it is very nonproductive to worry; yet it is so easy to do.  I pray that I can keep focused on you, as you are the one who provides all of my needs, and I can bring everything to you in prayer.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.