Human nature is to worry. We worry about the economy; we worry about our health; we worry about our family; we worry about work, school, the neighborhood, and the government. There are so many things that can keep us up at night if we allow them to.
Human nature is to worry, but Jesus told us not to worry. I cannot think of a single problem I have ever resolved by worrying about it. Can you? I am powerless, with so many things out of my control, but the Lord is capable of doing anything. Rather than worry, we should trust Him to handle our problems.
Jesus used ravens and lilies as examples of things that do not worry, and yet their needs are met. In Luke 12:24 He said, “Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”
Then in verse 27 He added, “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
So when are we allowed to worry? I think, according to Jesus, we can worry once the ravens all starve and the flowers all wilt. Until then, we should keep trusting in God.
Jesus said not to worry
But is it ever allowed?
Can I have your permission
When my world’s turned upside down?
So Jesus said He’d let me
In one situation
When the ravens have no food
And the lilies have no sun.
As long as ravens have food
And the flowers still will grow
I will keep my confidence
In the God who loves me so.
If He provides for the field
And even for the raven
Then why should I ever doubt
That will help His children?