July 5 I Monday

Job 30-31

Acts 13:26-52

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”   —Luke 12:25-26

Actor Jim Carey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they see that it’s not the answer.” Jesus’s Parable of the Rich Fool tells the story of a man who stored up his wealth for himself, thinking that he had a lifetime to spend it and do whatever he pleased. Yet, what he did not anticipate was God taking his life before he was able to enjoy his riches. Jesus ties together the lesson from that parable in one sentence: “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich towards God” (Luke 12:21). 

      With that verse, Jesus revealed the antidote to greed and what our life should be oriented around—not a life of self-absorption and storing up treasures for ourselves, but a life that is rich towards God. This then begs the questions: How do we manage life? How do we minimize our appetite for more?

      Jesus answers, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear…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!” (Luke 12:22-24). Jesus says not to worry about what to eat or wear, because God will take care of us. When you become anxious about your life and worried about whether or not God will take care of you, go for a walk outside and watch the birds. The birds cannot dig, plant seeds and wait to reap a harvest, but God sees every single bird and He feeds, He cares and He provides for each of them. Like the birds, God sees our needs and takes care of us. 

      Jesus sums up where our focus should be: “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Instead of stressing over what we should eat or wear, we ought to immerse ourselves in His kingdom, His purposes and His desires. As encouragement, Jesus adds, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:31-32). 

      We can minimize our appetite for more by having peace and confidence that our Father in heaven is our earthly Provider. Peter tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). May we surrender our false sense of security that we think more things will provide us, and seek His kingdom, trusting that God alone takes care of us.

Prayer: Almighty God, what a comfort to know as You look after the birds, You look after me too. Thank You, God, for Your love and kindness towards me.