In 2020, an outbreak of the coronavirus left the world in fear. People were quarantined, countries were put under lockdown, flights and large events were canceled. Those living in areas with no known cases still feared they might get the virus. Graham Davey, an expert in anxiety, believes that negative news broadcasts are “likely to make you sadder and more anxious.” A meme that circulated on social media showed a man watching the news on TV, and he asked how to stop worrying. In response, another person in the room reached over and flipped off the TV, suggesting that the answer might be a shift in focus!
Luke 12 gives us some advice to help us stop worrying: “Seek his kingdom” (v. 31). We seek God’s kingdom when we focus on the promise that His followers have an inheritance in heaven. When we face difficulty, we can shift our focus and remember that God sees us and knows our needs (vv. 24–30).
Jesus encourages His disciples: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (v. 32). God enjoys blessing us! Let’s worship Him, knowing He cares for us more than the birds of the air and the flowers of the field (vv. 22–29). Even in difficult times, we can read the Scriptures, pray for God’s peace, and trust in our good and faithful God.
By Julie Schwab
REFLECT & PRAY
What’s causing you to fear today? What’s one thing you can do to seek God’s kingdom when you begin to worry?
Loving God, instead of living in fear or worry, help me to focus on Your care for me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ ministry in Luke’s gospel (Luke 4:43), and it often inverts the world’s priorities. For example, the kingdom belongs to the poor (6:20) and little children (18:17), but the rich will have trouble accessing it (vv. 24–25). A criminal condemned to death can enter the kingdom through Jesus (23:42–43). Though many are invited to enter, not all will accept the invitation (14:15–24). And of those who do “come from east and west and north and south,” the last will be first and the first will be last (13:29–30). Con Campbell
