Daily Devotions

 

Luke 12:22–23

Then Jesus said to His disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life—what you will eat; nor about your body—what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.”

We end this series on contentment with some of Jesus’ most familiar, yet most difficult words. They are easy to recite, but far harder to live.

Worry is one of the greatest enemies of contentment. It drains our strength, robs our joy, and unsettles our souls. I once came across an online forum where people poured out their anxieties. One post read:

“Bills—will I have enough to pay them and still buy groceries?
Kids—will they grow up happy and safe?
My husband—his health is failing; will I lose him too soon?
My mother—will she ever love me unconditionally?
Did I upset someone with my words? Are my friends truly my friends?
Everything worries me. It always has and always will. I am the epitome of a worry wart.
So much for a stress-free life.”

Such raw honesty reveals how worry can dominate and paralyse. Yet Jesus calls us to step out of that cycle. “Life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” In other words, God has given us something greater than our fears: Himself.

Dr. Billy Graham often reminded his listeners of this truth:

• “Only the Holy Spirit can give us peace in the midst of the storms of restlessness and despair.”

• “Some people spend so much time worrying about what might happen that they never enjoy what is happening now. Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”

• “God doesn’t want us to be consumed with worry and anxiety. Instead, He wants us to turn our worries over to Him, and to trust Him for the future.”

That is exactly the invitation of Jesus: release tomorrow into God’s hands, and trust Him with today. Contentment is found not in the absence of trouble, but in resting secure in the Father’s care.

---

Prayer
Father,
I confess how easily I let worry overtake my heart.
Instead of resting in Your promises,
I allow anxiety to crowd my thoughts.
Teach me to cast all my cares upon You—
moment by moment, as each burden arises.
Help me take every anxious thought captive
and place it in Christ’s hands.
Remind me daily that You are faithful—
to provide, to sustain, and to carry me through every trial.
Thank You for Your unfailing goodness and grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.