“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?” Luke 12:22-26
“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”
So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:2-6
Worries Don’t Apply (Luke 12:22-26; 1 Kings 17:2-6) – Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6
I just noticed that both of these passages talk about ravens, and yet, I drew a bluebird on a flowery branch when I thought about not worrying. I guess I associate bluebirds with lighthearted joy more than ravens. However, ravens are a very interesting choice for not worrying. Ravens are incredibly intelligent. They can use tools, gesture, and mimic humans and mechanical noises.
Many of the people I know who are chronic worry-ers consider it to be a sign of their intelligence. They seem to think that other people who don’t worry as much simply aren’t facing the truth of the situation. If they were, they would be worried too. However, the wisest birds in the animal kingdom don’t worry. And the Bible says that we shouldn’t either.
Trusting God
Trusting God for the future is not a sign of a lack of intelligence. It is a choice in the face of possible trouble or disaster to not worry but instead place our hope and expectation in His hands. Whatever happens, He will help us through it.
“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?” Luke 12:22-26
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Our worry does not accomplish anything aside from ruining our present. Not only does it not add an hour to our lives, it wastes the hours we do have.
God Cares for You
God takes care of our needs. We don’t need to worry about daily needs like food, shelter, or clothing. We do our part to work and be responsible but worry is not necessary and does not help provide for us. God owns everything and He can provide for us when we see no other way. He can even do miracles using the birds.
“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”
So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:2-6
Elijah had to hide from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel who wanted to kill him. God provides a place to hide, a water source, and the birds bring him food like an ancient form of Doordash. He gives Elijah a much-needed break and provides every detail.
Light-hearted Bluebirds
We can relax and find joy like a light-hearted bluebird on a beautiful flowery branch! We don’t have to worry when the God of the universe is watching over our lives. In the face or potential pain and trouble, we can still smile and be joyful. He’s got this!
Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6 Action Step:
Let’s assess the tendencies we fall into! Do you tend to be a worrier or a truster? Take a moment today to place trust in God’s provision and care for you and let go of worry.
Come over to the Facebook group @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) and share your thoughts about today’s devotional or post a pic of your journaling under Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6 or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!
THEN, comment on someone else’s post to encourage and build them up in the Lord! Let’s not just share our art but also the heart of what God is speaking to us with one another.
Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6 Prayer:
Dear God, Open our eyes to the abundant care You provide us. Help us to trust in You instead of worrying. Remind us as many times as we need to let go of our worry in the face of Your love for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Lovely Birds of Lent Week 6 Video:
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