There are all kinds of things in the world that can threaten our very existence. The universal response to these threats is anxiety. Modern man has worked hard to reduce these threats, and thus our anxiety, by building into our lives layers of security that are intended to safeguard us from risk. But, no matter how hard we try to make life safe, worry is still very much a part of life. We may not worry that we are going to starve to death, but under all the layers that is exactly what we are worried about. So, we seek job security, we buy insurance policies, we form labor unions, we have pension funds and savings accounts. We expect the Government to protection us through programs life Social Welfare, Social Security, and government insurance programs that protect the money we put in the bank (FDIC). Jesus says this may be normal for the world, but it is not to be a part of the life of a disciple. The result of anxiety is that it bogs us down in a quagmire of worry that prevents us from truly following God or doing His will. So, we are not to worry about the basic needs of life. Instead we are to trust in God who is our Father. He has the power and the desire to care for us, and to sustain our life. We must trust God with our life. When we have confident faith in God's loving, complete, and generous care we are able to focus on His will and His kingdom. We can live sacrificially and give generously, pouring our life into those things that are eternal and that resonate with the heart of God.
