“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Luke 12:25, NIV)

The context of this scripture is Jesus addressing His disciples, urging them to trust in God’s provision and care, rather than being consumed by worry about their lives. It echoes the sentiments expressed in Matthew 6:27, which we reflected on in yesterday’s devotional. Here, Jesus again asks a pointed question designed to challenge our perspective on worry and anxiety.

So, why do we worry? Why do we spend time fretting about what may or may not happen in the future? Perhaps it’s because we forget two fundamental truths: the transient nature of life and the steadfast faithfulness of God.

First, our life on earth is but a vapor, a fleeting moment compared to eternity (James 4:14). This understanding should give us a sense of urgency to use our time wisely, to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, to love and serve others, and to share the Good News of Jesus. Yet, worry tends to distort our perspective, causing us to lose sight of the bigger picture. By dwelling on our anxieties, we often miss opportunities to live a meaningful, purposeful life.

Second, God is unchanging and forever faithful. The same God who created the universe, who commands the winds and the waves, cares for you and me. He knows our needs before we even speak them and is more than capable of meeting those needs (Matthew 6:8). Yet, we often let fear and uncertainty overshadow this profound truth.

Luke 12:25 serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of the futility of worry. It can’t add a single hour to our lives; in fact, it robs us of the joy and peace we could be experiencing in the present. Instead of allowing worry to consume us, let’s focus on trusting our faithful God and using our time here on earth to fulfill His purposes.

Wonder in the Word

What specific worries are you holding onto today, and how can you entrust them to God?