What God Says About Worry

‘Fear Not’ is written 365 times in the Bible (that is one for every day). Worry, the emotion felt by fear dwelt upon, is addressed by Jesus here so creatively:

"Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you" (Luke 12:27-28 NIV).

The flowers of the field spring up and fall, each one beautifully dressed, given all it needs to thrive. A flower does not buy a raincoat for spring or weave a sunhat for summer, but each is covered with petals.

Solomon was known as the wealthiest man of Israel and so Jesus is describing to the listeners then, and the readers now, more wealth than most will ever see. We could imagine a person being dressed in the finest jewelry and gown but even this cannot stand up against how beautifully the flowers of the field are dressed.

Flowers of some species live less than one day, they’re gone in a blink of an eye. Our lives are not gone in a blink of an eye, however, in Jesus we have eternal life. How much more will He care for His sons and daughters, who live with Him for the rest of time, than for flowers in the field that come and go?

Jesus continues to a call to fill the absence of worry with the promise that all we need and will be given when we ‘seek His Kingdom’ (Luke 12:31). We are called not simply to remove worry from our lives but also to pursue God’s Kingdom, His will, and His righteousness in our lives.

When worry rears its ugly head, remember the flowers of the field dressed in their fine petals which are finer than all that wealth can provide, and seek His kingdom. Even in a season where there is so much uncertainty and fear, He is the Provider and Sustainer of all life. Just as he covers the flowers, He will cover you, His child.

Prayer: Father, Thank You for Your love and care for me. I choose to trust that You want the best for me and that You will protect and provide for me because Your Word tells me so. Jesus, take my worries, anxieties, and fear. Help me to seek You and Your Kingdom first. Thank you that you are faithful to fulfil the promise that You will provide all that I need. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.