What are the issues that consume your heart and mind? What do you worry about? Think for a moment of those things you need at this time in your life. It could be material things, it may be financial or building a business or getting ahead in your job. For some it is parents that need care or kids that are pushing the limits. All of these are legitimate needs and they can consume our thinking and our outlook on life. And….they produce the byproduct of worry! Anxiety! Maybe fear!

I can remember periods of my life where despite my outward persona I struggled with worry and anxiety. These were not pleasant times. It is easier to deal with external challenges than it is to deal with our internal angst which can sap us of happiness and keep us up at night.

Jesus has a way of challenging our perspectives and He does it once again in Luke 12:22-31 where He speaks to our worry, anxiety, and fear. 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. For 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 your life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

“Consider how the wild flowers 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 — 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.

Notice that Jesus does not say that our needs are not real. In fact, He says that the Father knows that you need them! Our needs are not the issue but what we do with those needs is. Our world is consumed by people striving to meet their needs and chase their desires. Jesus says that the “pagan world runs after all such things.” This is their obsession, and the end goal of their lives - getting what they want and need. Without God, that is what you are left with.

Jesus says. Don’t chase this stuff. Don’t even chase your needs because your father knows that you need them. There is only one thing to chase: Seek his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well. Think about this: If we chase after our needs we end up spiritually empty. But if we seek God’s kingdom first and foremost, all the rest of what we need will be given to us by God as well. That is a great promise and a very good deal.

Think today about how you can seek God’s Kingdom in your life. Seeking His kingdom is about our personal obedience and followership. It is about caring about the things that God cares for like justice and fairness. It is to share Jesus with those who don’t know Him. It is to participate with Him in the places that He asks you to live out your faith. Seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Let's keep our focus on the right things and God will take care of the other things.

Father, thank you for your promise of provision for my needs. Help me to leave my concerns in your hands and focus on seeking your kingdom in all areas of my life. Show me where you want me to join you and I will make that my priority. Amen.