Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:32-34 NIV
Lord Jesus, as convicting as your words are, they are exponentially more comforting. Of course I fear things in life—things over which I have little, if any, control. My list of “what if’s?” is real, and gets longer, if I give worry the microphone. But today, your voice transcends the noise and exposes my fears for what they really are—thieves, brigands, and liars.
What can I work up a good case of worries about? I fear for the future of our country—even the whole world. And yet—so gloriously yet, you are the King of the kingdom the Father has joyfully given us. Indeed, you are the ruler of the kings of the earth, the resurrected and reigning Sovereign over all things—our returning Bridegroom and Lord, actively making all things new. Jesus, I truly want your Kingdom more than I want a lasting city in this world.
Jesus, I can get anxious about the health, stories, and wellbeing of people I love. But you’ve given yourself for our salvation; certainly I can trust you to take care of everything else. Right? Though I wish you promised me a pain-free, stress-free, crisis-free life for my family and friends, I know you’ve something much better planned. When I doubt your goodness, grant me a clear sighting of your vacant cross and empty grave.
Since the state of my heart is recognized by the address of my treasure, I want to affirm, once again, Jesus, that you alone are worthy of my affection, passion, and trust. I love you because you first loved me, and still love me—with an irrepressible, unwavering, measureless kindness, joy, and affection. So very Amen I pray, in your wonderful and merciful name.
