Luke 12:22-26
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Recall that Jesus has just answered a person in the crowd and addressed the problem of a focus on material gain to the neglect of a rich relationship with God. Then read Luke 12:22-26 taking note of anything that stands out as you read.
Our minds and bodies were designed to recognize situations that could cause us difficulty, pain or harm, and as thinking beings we have the ability to both recognize and evaluate situations that might lead to such things. These abilities are good gifts from God. And God has given us many, many other good gifts for which to be grateful – so many that we could stop at any moment and list blessing after blessing.
When we focus on that which we lack rather than on the good gifts God has already provided, our abilities to recognize and evaluate go into overdrive and we begin to worry. Unchecked, worry can turn into anxiety and fear, but the practice of gratitude can stop worry in its tracks.
Stop to practice gratitude for a while. Just get quiet and focus on the most basic gifts of God – life, breath, etc. As thoughts come to mind thank God for each good gift.
Read Luke 12:22-26 again.
When we aren’t fully aware of God’s goodness and of how much God values us, we naturally drift into worry, but worry doesn’t make anything better. The fact is that worry is a thief that robs us of joy and eventually of health and life. Worry keeps us from experiencing the goodness of God.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus explains that he alone is the “good shepherd” who cares for his sheep and provides for them. “Listen” to these words of Jesus:
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give [my sheep] a rich and satisfying life.” - John 10:10
Now meditate on these words from the Apostle Paul:
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
What are you hearing from Jesus today?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
