Today’s reading is Luke 11:1-12:59.

Jesus said, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If they you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” (Luke 12:25-26).

Man, I need to hear that today. It is amazing the number of things that can cause me to worry. Further, it is amazing the crazymaking that goes on in my head when I start to worry. If Marita is a few minutes late getting home, I suddenly picture her on the side of the road dead. I begin to get physically agitated wondering how I’ll raise the kids by myself. Ryan had a bike accident recently right after we had finally paid off all our medical debt and by the end of the emergency room visit, I was convinced that by the end of the year, our family would be homeless because of the pressing debts. An elder expresses frustration with me and suddenly I’m convinced my days as a preacher are numbered.

It is so easy for me to worry. But Jesus points out, my anxiety and worry won’t do me a bit of good. I can’t add any length to my life by worrying. In fact, I think there is probably good evidence that worry and anxiety will shorten my life. So, Jesus says, “Quit worrying.”

Of course, someone will point out that one day my wife really may get in a car wreck. I may really end up homeless one day. I may really have to quit preaching one day. All those things are true. But they aren’t true today. Why mess up today by worrying about some possible, yet unknown future. Today, I simply need to submit to Jesus and let Him lead me. Just do what He says. Seek His kingom, that is, his rule in my life. Instead of worrying what may happen somewhere down the road based on today’s decisions, I need to simply do what is right and what seeks God’s kingdom today. As some of my friends say, I just need to do the next right thing.

As Jesus says, “Don’t worry, be holy.”

***Question: What do you do to help overcome anxiety and worry?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC