Worry (Dictionary): To feel anxious; an uneasy state of mind; trouble or vexed.
Worry (Bible): Care; anxiety; to fear.
As Christians, one of our goals should be to allow God to bring His Word into a clearer focus so we can minister with His vision and not ours. All too often, our focus is on “worry” and “anxiety” about having basic needs such as food, clothing, and a roof over our heads, etc.
Luke 12: 25-34 25-28Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
29-32What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
33-34 Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bank robbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.(MSG)
Today people have become trapped in fear, worry or anxiety. Our eyes and ears hear the TV news and its doom and gloom and people read the newspaper for understanding instead of seeking God’s Word! This type of vision steals our sleep, occupies our minds and we can lose our peace with God!
Did you ever notice that if you look through binoculars the wrong way everything becomes smaller and more distant? It’s the same way for those of us who accept a vision of fear over a vision of peace! If we allow fear to turn the binoculars completely the wrong way or to get out of focus, our ability to see God’s provision can become limited to only a distant hope, clouded and far from us. An out of focus lens is not clear.
Jesus was explaining to His listeners what our focus should be on. It needs to be that of a seeker-with the binoculars turned the correct way and seeking God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness. God’s Holy Spirit is the focus wheel on the binoculars and God’s Word is the lens. It brings us closer to God and His peace and restores our faith.
Jesus was showing people where they need to look and seek. Listen again to what Jesus says in Luke:
Luke 12:30- 32: 30For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 31But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. (NASB)
The world continues to eagerly seek a place where all needs are met. The wonderful promise here is that our Father already knows our needs and He promises to meet those needs.
The word “gladly” in verse 32 literally means “good pleasure”. If we are to receive His kingdom embraced by His good pleasure, then why are we afraid? Let us become eager seekers and properly focus our binoculars.
Matthew 13: 22: 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. (NKJV)
This is the parable of the soils and it carries great meaning. The seed sown in the field of thorns was choked and unfruitful. As Christians, we cannot allow worry and anxiety to get a choke hold on us. If we submit to anxiety and give it some measure of authority, we will be placing ourselves more and more into darkness.
Philippians 4: 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(NASB)
Let us minister the promises of our mighty God to those around us and reach out and help them turn their binoculars the correct way. This will happen as we minister under His anointing and under His grace! We need to remember that God is able to supply all our needs through Christ Jesus. His promises are secure and available to all His children. There is no need to worry or be anxious. We need to keep our focus on the Word of God. Read the Word!
Father God, as we see and hear the confusion and fear all around us, let us keep our focus on You and Your word. Please use us to touch other lives.
