IlluminateSample

I want to be totally honest with you, the first two thoughts I have about anxiety and these verses in Luke are as follows:

First Thought:

“I don’t struggle with anxiety! I know people who struggle with this, and I am nothing like that, so I definitely don’t struggle with anxiety.” (Spoiler Alert: I could not have been more wrong).

Second Thought:

These verses feel like Luke is one of those friends who just tells you to “get over it” or “think happy thoughts”, and is genuinely convinced that this is enough to snap you out of your anxiety…and it makes me want to throat punch him.

Here is the reality for me, and probably a lot of us, I get anxious and worry all the time. So much so, that it’s now an unconscious part of my daily routine. What Luke isn’t doing is trying to beat us down for worrying, even when we should know that God totally has us. What Luke is reminding us in this passage is that when we inevitably do begin to worry, we need a gentle reminder of two things:

1. God knows your needs and is not afraid of them (Luke 12:30). Dig into that and start making a conscious effort to pray and seek the Lord when you notice yourself begin to have those worrisome thoughts or anxious feelings. It’s a tough habit to break, but it requires that you start somewhere. Have grace for yourself and keep moving forward.
2. You can never earn God’s love or His provision (Luke 12:24). God is the most incredible Heavenly Father, who not only knows your needs, but wants to provide for you as well. I love that Luke included this passage because I am always tempted to work a little harder so I feel like I’ve earned favor with the Lord. Or more honestly, I feel like I need to ask forgiveness multiple times in order to truly feel like I can consider myself forgiven. Remind yourself daily that you are already forgiven and that God will provide, as He always has and always will.