Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 363 – Luke 12:22-31 – Do Not Worry – Growing As Disciples

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  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!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?  “Consider how the lilies 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, O you of little faith!  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:22-31 (NIV)

Worry

I have allowed my life to be filled with worry. What has filled your life with worry? I have worried about security. I have worried about my job. I have worried about money. I have worried about my health. I have worried about my family. I have worried about what is going on in the world. You name it, I have worried about it. Now, it seems like the whole world is in a state of worry together. These are very unsettling times. Yes, you are living in unsettling times. Is that a bad thing? It seems so to me. Who wants to live in unsettling times? Think a little more about the subject. What has happened to you when you have had no need, and everything has seemed to be going your way? Have you become complacent in your faith? Have you allowed yourself to become a little more distant from me? Have you become more self-reliant, self-sufficient and maybe even self-indulgent? None of those are good things. No, they are not. You know the answers to the questions you have asked me. Yes, I do, but do you know the answers to the questions I have asked you? Yes, I do. Let me hear your answer. My faith is much more living and active when I have been living in unsettling times. Worry has actually helped draw me back to you. How so? You have helped me to turn my worries into prayers to you. When I have been worried and unsettled and filled with fear, I have drawn near to you. What have I done? You have drawn near to me. What else? You have calmed my worries and fears. You have given me your peace. You have reminded me of the fact that you are with me to help me. You love and care for me. Yes, I do. What else have I done for you as you have drawn near to me? You have refocused my heart and mind and life. On what? You have focused my heart and mind and life on you and your Kingdom. You have reminded me of how you want me to live, where you want me to go and what you want me to do. You have helped me to take my eyes off of the things of this life so I can focus on living the Kingdom focused life you have called me to live. That is very good. Yes, it is. Keep on drawing near to me in these unsettling times. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good. 

Lord, so much of my life has been focused on the things of earth. I have spent a great deal of time and energy worrying about the things of life that are out of my control. No more. Now, I will focus my heart and mind and life on your Kingdom as I seek you. Amen

Key Question… How are taking steps to focus your life on the Kingdom of God rather on the things of this life?

Living It Out… Focus your heart and mind and life on the Kingdom of God rather than on the things of earth.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will take care of you as you focus your life on His Kingdom.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your life is now focused on the Kingdom of God.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you not worry, but rather seek God’s kingdom as He takes care of you.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Becoming Like Christ – Day 363 – Luke 12-22-31 – Do Not Worry – 4 Page Discipleship Study Guide

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