In our passage this last Sunday, Jesus addressed the covetous among the crowds with this statement about where true life is not to be found.
“One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15).”
This Sunday he will address the anxious among his disciples with another statement about life.
“Life is more than food, and the body more than clothing (Luke 12:23).”
In preparation for Sunday, take a moment to make a list of all your current worries and things that make you anxious (not just mentally, but on paper). The concerns that are staring you in the face each morning as you awake. The burdens that are always lurking in the forefront of your mind, distracting you throughout your day. The needs hanging over your head that you have no idea how to meet. The things that cause that dull knot in your stomach.
With that list in front of you, turn to Luke 12:22-34 and read it slowly.
Years ago, when Betsy and I worked at the Christian camp Forest Home, we each spent a little time working the climbing wall and high ropes course. The ropes course was a series of high wires and logs to balance and walk across 40+ feet off the forest floor. You can imagine that many guests who signed up for this activity got up there and, despite the security of their safety harness and helmet, were very anxious.
One of the things we would tell them was not to look down, but to look up and ahead. Looking down past their feet and the thin cable they were balancing on was terrifying. Looking up to the cable they were securely fastened to was comforting. Even if they slipped, they would not fall. And looking ahead to their goal (the next platform) took their focus off of their fear and onto their destination.
It struck me this week that what Jesus has to say to us anxious disciples is similar. Don’t look down. Staring at that list you just made can feel like looking down at a dizzying drop below. Look up, to your heavenly Father who knows exactly what you need and who has a secure grip on you. And look ahead to the kingdom that He is ushering in. Seek it and your Father will take care of the rest.
This Sunday Jason Oakes will be preaching and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare? Let’s ask the Lord to help us “cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us.” (1 Peter 5:7)
See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
Song Link of the Week
God Is Faithful (Psalm 114) by Sovereign Grace Music
We have known Your mercy
And Your love as in the past
If days be few or many
You will guide us to the last
You have said it, we believe it
Every promise holding fast
For we know that You are good