NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is, “Do not worry”. Worry is the state of being anxious and troubled over actual or potential problems. What then is the major cause of worry in life? The major source of worry to humanity is the struggle to survive through the acquisition of the necessities of life. Examples of the necessities of life are food, clothing and shelter. These things have also been the cause of disputes or wars between ethnic groups and nations.

The focus of today’s reflection is, should a believer worry about the necessities of life? Jesus offers us the answer and assurance that “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 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! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. 28 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 12:22-28) In other words, worry adds nothing substantial to our lives. We must trust God at all times to provide for our needs rather than living in despair and being anxious over things we have no control over. Let us remember that we are physically weak and limited in our abilities but God is infinite, omnipotent and omniscient. It is for this reason the Angel of the Lord said to Abraham and Sarah who had been childless for many years, “Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18:14) My dear friend, I don’t what your worries are or what you are anxious about, but I am here to assure you that nothing is too hard for the Lord.

It is important to note that although worry adds nothing useful or substantial to our lives, some people nevertheless continue to worry. Many Christians in our time continue to be anxious or worry about the necessities of life to the extent that they become fearful and restless and hardly sleep peacefully at night. The diagnosis for this spiritual, emotional and physical malady of worry is lack of faith. Jesus offers us a prescription when he says “….you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:28-31. In other words, faith in God is the antidote to anxiety or worry. When you have God you have everything since He is the creator of the universe and knows all our needs. It is for this reason when Jeremiah entertained fear when God called him, the Lord told him “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;” (Jeremiah 1:5). Let us again be reminded that before God created Adam and Eve, He had already provided their necessities in abundance. He created everything that they will ever need on earth for their comfortable stay and enjoyment. (Genesis 1:26-31)

Dear friend in the Lord, I do not know your current worries but I believe that God has an insurance policy for you, this insurance policy has a one-time premium which takes away all your worries. This premium is faith. Have faith in God’s Do-Not-Worry insurance policy to have your worries taken care of. Joseph, Hannah, Elijah, David and Daniel were all examples of people of faith who went through hard or challenging times. They experienced fear but they ultimately trusted the Lord for their redemption and vindication. You are not alone on the journey, the Lord is with you therefore do not worry.  Having faith in the Lord is not an excuse for laziness or idleness. Faith means, working to afford the necessities of life and trusting the Lord to bless our efforts. Paul encourages us not to worry for “… God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Shalom.

In summary, we have discovered that God knows our needs and will provide them, therefore we need not worry but have faith in Him even as we go about our work and business.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith so that we shall not worry but continually experience the presence and peace of the Lord in both times of abundance and scarcity.