Foundations Week 33, Day 3

Scripture Read: Luke 12
Title: Anxiety, Worry, and Trust

H.E.A.R. 
(H) Highlight verse: "Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"  Luke 12:25

(E) Explain:  In chapter 12 Jesus is speaking to his disciples about hypocrisy, fear, heavenly treasures, worry, anxiety, trust, and being prepared for the end times.  He speaks specifically in 12:22 - 34 about worry the uselessness of worry, anxiety, and doubt.  He tells his disciples not to be anxious about their lives, and the food they will eat.  He essentially tells them that anxiety accomplishes nothing.  Worrying about things that they could not change was pointless because there was absolutely nothing they could do to change things just by worrying.  He also alludes to the truth that worry and anxiety can lead to doubt and lack of faith.  Jesus says that instead of worrying about the trivial things in life they should focus their energy and and efforts on seeking God and his kingdom, because when they do the trivial things they were worrying about will be taken care of by God the Father.  For if their treasure is in following God and seeking his kingdom, this will reveal their true heart and love for God.

(A) Application:  I am very good at worrying and  I don't really know why I worry so much.  I understand the as a human my natural inclination is to worry, doubt and fear and I believe this is why Jesus speaks about these things so often in scripture.  I understand that being anxious, and worrying is a waste of time because I can't change a single thing when I worry...  Worry is a time waster, it leads me down the roads of unbelief and lack of faith.  Jesus reminds me often throughout scripture that God is trustworthy and He will take care of those who belong to him.  This doesn't mean that I will have an easy life and everything will go my way, it simply means that God will take care of me in the good and the bad times and I can trust him no matter what.
   
(R) Respond: Lord, I pray that I won't worry so much.  May I give me worry, and anxiety over to you so I don't waste my time worrying about things that I have no control over.  May I use my time wisely by seeking first your kingdom and trusting you to care of my trivial needs, wants, and desires.