DO NOT HAVE AN ANXIOUS MIND
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
Today’s Reading:
Luke 12:22-31
“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind”.
(v. 29)
It seems natural for humans to worry or have anxiety about things! Must be part of the fallen nature! It is summed up as a lack of trust in God, who created all things, including humans and everything on earth. It is commonly said that worry or being anxious cannot change things! It is also said that anxiety is carried in the mind.
The word “Anxious” means: feeling or showing worry or unease about something; eager about something or to do something or for something to happen; uneasy with fear and desire regarding something doubtful. All these are matters of the mind! The “Mind” is a critical part of the human body, said to be located in the brain area. It is the seat of thoughts and feelings, consciousness, intelligence and so on. It is the part of man that thinks, knows, feels, wills, gives attention, and judgment; the personality. Humans are anxious over many things, including aspects of life in general, such as relationships, health, livelihood (what to eat and drink, schooling and work), day-to-day living, and spiritual issues. Due to the general uncertainties of all these, there is a tendency for the mind to continuously dwell on them, thereby causing anxiety.
There are many implications of being anxious, which include: disregard for God in respect of his love, power, sovereignty, and omnipotence. There is the tendency for idolatry, arising from a lack of faith in God, and there is the general tendency to rely on others instead of God. It, therefore, becomes more difficult to achieve results and fulfil purpose. Humans are easily discouraged. Before the Trinity, anxiety amounts to demeaning oneself. No wonder, in our Today’s reading in vs 24 and 27, Jesus, in his teaching parable, asked his disciples and followers to consider the ravens who do not sow or reap, which have no barn or storehouse, and yet God feeds them. He then said, How much more value are the people than these birds. Also, He said they should consider the lilies which neither toil nor spin when they are growing and yet God arrays them more than the glory Solomon had on earth. Jesus then concluded in v28 that if God so clothes the grass, which ends up in fire, how much more will He clothe the people, who are created in his image and likeness, and given dominion over all his creation. He accused them of having little faith!
How to avoid being anxious in the mind!
Have, develop/grow and stand in faith in Jesus and God. Instil in your mind that you are more valuable than anything else God created.
Have faith in God and Christ’s word – promises and assurances. In v 22-23, Jesus said the people should not worry about their lives, what they would eat or about the body and what they would put on. He confirmed that life is more than food and body more than clothing.
Always consider the challenge Jesus threw at the people, asking in v 25-26, Which of them by worrying could add one cubit to his stature. If they were not able to do the least of those things he mentioned, then how were they anxious for the rest?
Always remember the encouragement Jesus gave the people in v 29 that they should not seek what they should eat or drink, nor have an anxious mind. This is for you, too.
Hold fast to the promises made by Jesus in v 30 that your Father knows that you need all these things and more.
Stand firm upon his instruction and promise in v 31 that you should seek first the kingdom of God your Father, and all things shall be added to you.
However, to seek the kingdom entails accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. This is the first step to be taken, and every other thing mentioned above will follow. You will, therefore, not have an anxious mind.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.
Prayer:
Our Father eternal, you created all things in your divine power and gave man dominion over them.
Precious Lord, we appreciate your sacrifice for mankind’s salvation as a gift.
Father, having enjoyed your love and goodness as believers, help us to give up anxiety from our minds and entire lives.
Lord, teach the church leaders to teach and encourage believers to seek first the kingdom of our Father.
Father, send revival to our nation and help everyone to key into it, starting from the leaders.
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