Luke 12:22-34
Don’t Worry, Be Happy!
“God, grant me the peace to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” You’ve probably heard this prayer a time or two. It’s called the serenity prayer and is often attributed to an American reformed theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr. Niebuhr lived through both World Wars and into the Cold War era. Needless to say, there were a lot of things outside of his control which might have influenced these very words. Indeed, it’s a good reminder for all of us as we look out at the world and worry about everything that is happening around us. We can worry so much about things outside of our control and be consumed by them, much less being worried for the things we can control. For what things worry you right now? Is it the continuing wars in Ukraine and Israel? Is it the condition of our government right now? Is it much closer to home, being your job, the economy, family drama, or something else? I could certainly keep going with examples, but the point is that worry is something so common to us, yet is perhaps the least helpful emotion. How are we supposed to deal with worry? That’s perhaps the better question. While I might simply say, “Just don’t worry!” that is easier said than done. For the true answer must deal with faith as a foundation for a more worry-free life.
In our Gospel lesson today, Jesus commends us not to worry. But instead of simply saying “don’t worry”, he gives us the very reason why we can overcome worry in life. It’s not because life becomes any less chaotic. Rather, it’s because we know who God is. By knowing God, we can replace our worry with trust and faith. Thus, let us learn the truth which Jesus tells us:
FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK,
FOR IT’S THE FATHER’S GOOD PLEASURE TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM!
I.
It’s easy to look out at the world and think yourself insignificant. Yes, the world is so large and even collectively, there’s only so much we can do. The problems in the world are many and even our own problems will often feel insurmountable. On top of all of this, we worry about every little thing that comes our way. What should I wear today so I don’t get made fun of at school? I don’t want to sound unintelligent in front of my coworkers. I need to tidy up because guests are coming over and I don’t want them to think I’m messy! To all of this, hear what Jesus has to say, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing,” Luke 12:22-23. Worry is such a large part of our life… and I understand what often feels like for good reason. Yet, what good does worry truly do? As Jesus says, can we add a single hour to our life by worrying? No? Then what is the point? It’s true that we worry so much about what is outside of our control and such worry is useless, or worse even harmful.
For the definition of worry is “to allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles” or “a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems”. So, let’s be clear about worry. It’s often antithetical to faith. This is why Jesus gives us the example of the ravens, or the lilies. “They neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them…. Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these,” Luke 12:24, 27. Birds don’t worry about their next meal. Yet, they’re fed. The lilies don’t have top fashion brands, yet God clothes them. All of our worries flow not from a focus on God, but rather a focus on our fear of death. It’s our sinful flesh that can become fixated on everything wrong in our life, making us feel small and insignificant. But realize that this all is another lie of Satan. For if God cares for the birds and the grass, how much more does he care for you?
II.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, you’re of much greater value than these! God indeed cares for you. There’s no one who’s insignificant to God, no one too small for God to care for, no one whom God doesn’t love. As Jesus says, “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them,” Luke 12:30-31. God who made the whole world, who holds the universe in his hands, who commands the wind and rain, also thinks of you to provide for you! Now, don’t misunderstand me. God won’t make all your problems vanish magically. He doesn’t make life less chaotic. Rather, he provides a way through our struggles… and even through death. For as we look to handle all the challenges of life, as we navigate struggles both big and small, let us not forget who is watching over us. Let us leave all worry to God who is more than able to care for you in every way.
When the walls close in on you, when the world seems to be falling apart, when there’s nothing you’re able to do, close your eyes and realize that God holds you in his hand. May our faith replace our worry, not because we’re not afraid, but because we know God is in control and will care for us through it all. As Jesus said, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” Luke 12:32. It’s our Father’s good pleasure to give us Christ. It’s our Father’s good pleasure to forgive us our sins. It’s our Father’s good pleasure to send Jesus to die on the cross in our place, to be buried for our sins, and raised for our salvation! Indeed, God desired to give you Christ… and he did so that he may give you the kingdom and so much more! If he desires to give us all of this, how much more shall we trust in him to care for even the small things? “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 8:38-39!
Fear not, dear brothers and sisters. Every struggle you face today shall become but a distant memory in the halls of eternity. When life becomes difficult, when Satan obscures your way, lean on God knowing that He has provided for you every need! In Jesus’ name! Amen!