Promised-Based Living: Do You Worry Too Much? A Look at Luke 12:22-32

Here’s a question for you: Do you worry too much? Do you find yourself awake at night, stewing over a certain challenge in your life or the life of a loved one? Are the first thoughts of your day about a difficult situation you are facing? Are  you often anxious, filled with anxiety over something that seems beyond your  control?

Our English word for “worry” comes from a Middle English word, “worien” which literally means “to strangle.” Isn’t that exactly how it feels to be overloaded with worry? I can feel my chest tighten up, and my throat seems to close as it worsens!

If you are dealing with worry and anxiety, then this promise is for you: Luke 12:22-23

²² 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. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ 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! ²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? ²⁶ And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

²⁷ “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. ²⁸ 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?

²⁹ “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. ³⁰ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. ³¹ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

³² “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

Luke 12:22-23 NLT

Let’s take a closer at this promise in this video:

A Red Flag for Doubt

Worry is a red flag that our faith needs a boost.  How do we get that boost? Read the scripture, and then in prayer, ask for more faith.  Another great thing to do is take 15 minutes and remember all of the times that God has been faithful to you in the past.

Keep a Record of God’s Faithfulness:

Now is a good time to start a journal recording each act of God’s faithfulness in your life.  So often, we forget that He has carried us over bigger storms in the past.  The Israelites built stone monuments to help them remember God’s faithfulness.  We, too, need to create a record of God’s work in our lives.  Then when we find ourselves overwhelmed with worry, take it out and praise God for His faithfulness to you.