An Effective Defense
Jesus said, “Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:29–32
The English word worry comes from a twelfth-century word meaning to “slay, kill, or injure by biting and shaking the throat.”[1] You may feel as if COVID-19 has been shaking you by the throat—ripping away jobs, relationships, and freedoms as well as health. On some days, I’m not even sure why I feel frustrated, anxious, or angry. Maybe you’ve struggled with emotions and mind-sets you can’t explain either.
I believe Jesus is fully aware of how everyday living can become an emotional roller coaster ride for us, which is probably why he often told his followers, “Do not worry” and “Do not be afraid.”
Worry and fear often show up at our door hand-in-hand. They each bring a bag of what-ifs, then spread them out on a table in front of us, daring us to eat one or two or twenty.
This destructive duo tells us that things are what give life meaning: clothing, food, houses, and money. God says, “I give life meaning, and if you make your relationship with me your priority, then I will make sure you have what is truly important: purpose, security, love, and eternal life.”
Worry and fear tell us that God treats us unfairly. God says, “Through Jesus I have given you an eternal inheritance that is beyond comprehension.” And even while we live on earth, we have access to many of the blessings and benefits of living under God’s rule.[2]
That’s the reason Jesus says in Luke 12: 29–31, “What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving … Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met” (MSG).
So the next time worry and fear show up at our door, let’s get rid of them by focusing on the indestructible, eternal promises God has given us: (1) “I love you”; (2) “I am with you”; (3) “I will provide for you.” If we do, we’ll soon be celebrating God’s goodness instead of caving in to worry and fear.
Are you willing to use the three-promise defense against worry and fear?
Dig Deeper
Read Colossians 3:15–17 and Ephesians 5:19–20. In difficult circumstances, what actions can help us celebrate God’s goodness instead of yielding to worry and fear?
Read Luke 12:33 and 2 Corinthians 9:6–15. How can generosity help us drive away fear and worry as it strengthens our faith in God?
When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus in John 3:1–21, what did Jesus say was necessary to enter the kingdom of God and enjoy its blessings?
Denise K. Loock
This devotion is part of our series, “Do Not Be Afraid.”
[1] “Worry,” Etymonline.com, accessed 24 September 2020, https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=worry
[2] When Jesus used the word kingdom in this passage he may have meant both the heavenly kingdom of God as well as the blessings and benefits of God’s rule presently enjoyed on earth. See Strong’s definition of the Greek word basileia: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G932&t=NIV