We do not need to be anxious.  Over time we set up a system of worry where deep down we tell ourselves that we are not safe, we are not in control, we are not accepted or we are not seperate from others.  We have been created by God to rest in Him.  We are safe when we know him because even if we are killed we are His.  We ultimately are not in control, God is.  As we surrender our will to His, and live in harmony with His will, we experience peace.  God accepted us fully and completely when we came to Him for forgiveness in Christ.  We are never rejected by God after sincerely coming to him.  The sin in our lives is now something we sometimes do, but it is not who we are.  God has created us as distinct human beings.  We can develop healthy boundaries and unique personalities.  By observing nature, as Jesus did, we can see that God takes care of His Creation.  As the pinnacle of Creation won’t he relieve our anxieties if we will just release them to him?

Luke 12:22-33

²² 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. ²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ²⁴ 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! ²⁵ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life^[b]? ²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

   ²⁷ “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. ²⁸ 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! ²⁹ And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

   ³² “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Questions

1. What should be a disciple’s attitude toward life?
2. What are life and the body more than?
3. What is the net affect of worry?
4. Do you worry about paying bills, saving for retirement, having a job, or taking care of your family?
5. Could you release your worries to God in prayer?  When?

Going Deeper

Observation

1. What bird does Jesus have his disciples consider?
2. What can not be added by worry?
3. Who was not dressed as finely as a flower?
4. What should a disciple not set their heart upon?
5. What should a disciple seek?

Interpretation

1. If a Raven is an unclean bird, how does this emphasize Jesus’ point?
2. Why doesn’t it matter that Jesus teaches the same principles using sparrows and not ravens in Matthew?
3. What kind of clothes would Solomon have worn?
4. What is the ‘Kingdom of God’ in this context?
5. What is a purse that doesn’t wear out?

Application

1. How could nature be an inspiration not to worry?
2. Why do people today suffer from so much anxiety?
3. How do people of ‘little faith’ allow others to increase their anxiety?
4. Where is your treasure?
5. How can you become ‘imperturbable’?