Worry and the New Year

A new year has begun. 2012 is already on a relentless pace towards 2013. This new year will see a presidential election and congressional elections, the Olympics, new technological advances, Iran making more headlines about their nuclear program, more earthquakes and severe storms, and thus, quite possibly, even more things to worry about than there were in 2011.  The question is—how practical is your Bible in the face of increased opportunity for worries? Listen to Christ’s words as he addresses worries about financial issues.

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. 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 his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12:22-26

This is the message that your children need to hear:

They are more valuable than food.

They are more valuable than clothes.

They are more valuable than birds.

God will care for them and you. No amount of worry can add even a single hour to anyone’s life; which Christ calls this a very little thing. So, Jesus says, why do you worry about things that are far less important than your life?

Christ’s words are so direct and to the point that we can easily miss their meaning. There is no drama in these words. Jesus says simply and wonderfully, “Do not worry about your life….”  You may be tempted to retort, “Easy to say but hard—to do! Remember, Christ does hold you in his hand (John 10). Give your child a vision of faith; trust Christ when he says do not worry. It is a great way to start the New Year!

Shepherd Press