Combat Worry
Bible study Luke 12:22 - Teaching about Money and Possessions
Then, turning to his disciples, 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. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 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?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. 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.
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. – Luke 12:22-33 NLT
In most recent times, I have found myself worrying more than I have been in the past. Mostly because of the stress and demands of life. I think it’s human nature to worry, we worry because we think we can fix things. It’s the fight or flight mode in our brain triggered when we sense danger is ahead.
Worry is when we blow our problems out of proportions. Worrying is a form of thinking about the future, defined as thinking about future events in a way that leaves you feeling anxious or apprehensive.
One thing I have learnt is that we can choose to kill or feed our worry.
Here in the bible in Luke 12:22-33 NLT, Jesus teaches us not to worry:
1. Know how valuable you are to God.
Take 5 mins in your day to reflect on God’s great love for you. Jesus has paid the price of your sins on the cross. Meditate on God's unconditional love for you. You are precious, valuable, and important to God, therefore whatever is on your heart matters to him too.
Here in Luke the verse says that we are far more valuable than any birds to him. “And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!”. Isn’t that true? We are more valuable than birds to God.
2. Discern about culture & kingdom mindset
What are you worrying about? Is the thing that you are worrying about culture or kingdom mindset? Most of the time I find myself worrying about things of the world, such as food, clothing, work, finances, family, relationships… etc but the bible says “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind, ask God to give you Kingdom perspective. (Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will. - Romans 12:2)
3. Change your pursuits to kingdom goals
When worry strikes, start worshipping God, pray, meditate, use this time for meaningful connection with God and others. Focus your mind on others' needs rather than what is worrying you.
Remind yourself that today’s worry will pass and in the bigger scheme of things pursuing kingdom goals are more rewarding. Ask God what is on your heart today? What needs can I pray into today?
4. Combat worry with generosity and prayer
The best way to combat worry is through generosity and prayer. As Joyce Meyer says it so well, worrying is like being in a rocking chair, we can worry all day long going back and forth but at the end of the day it gets us nowhere. Instead commit everything into prayer and truly believe that God will take care of your problems in his own timing.
Therefore, my prayer for you today is that you will be able to fight your worries and stand strong in the promises of God. That your mind will be renewed and refreshed by the Holy spirit.
Amen