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Luke 12:24-28 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you!

This scripture is particularly encouraging for those who are considering embarking on new endeavours, experiencing financial difficulty or a dry spout in life. The positivity, sense of love and warmth in this scripture is overwhelming. There’s an soothing of emotions, that brings a subtle smile to ease your worries, a deep breath to relax your mind and an expansion of warmth in your heart.

Though there are only four verses, they are worth looking at individual.

24. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have neither storeroom or barn; and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 

The imagery brings one back to the essence of life and further still when we think of the animals and the simplicity of their lives compared to the unnecessary complexities of our own. We hear so often the phrase ‘keeping it real’, but how many of us really do? We have lost appreciation of the basic elements of life. The elements that are provided for us naturally and generously by God; food, water, air, heat, though we can manipulate these things none of them are dependent on us for their existence, in fact we are dependent on them. As we are so valuable in the sight of God we have been placed on an earth that has been built to provide our every need.

25. And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

There have been times in all of our lives when our finances seemed crippling, we began to worry, make calculations, consider that second job, considered crime (O.K. that last one was a joke, hmm... for most of us anyway). The point is that the reality of the situation is a temporary phase, yes, it is temporary because look at where you are now, still breathing and still living to tell the tale. Yet every time we face adversity we begin to make ourselves crazy with worry, some of us to the point of physical or mental illness. Worrying never helps any situation, it only serves to make us less focused, confused, stressed and agitated.

26. If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

We must remember that the powers of God are far beyond what any of us can possibly imagine. It is pointless to stress ourselves about situations that are outside of our control or that we are unable to predict. In these events we should look to find peace and comfort in the Lord, because when you have walked that last mile, feel heavy and burdened, and as though nothing more can be done, perhaps there is  nothing more that you can do but this is not true for the Lord who has the power to part seas for his people. So put your mind and heart at rest and trust in him as he has not brought you this far to see you fade to nothing.

27. Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Again, the use of imagery draws our mind back to the essential elements of life. Lilies just as all the flowers and vegetation on this earth when not planted or harvested by man have the ability to grow wild and naturally. They do nothing for their existence but simply exist itself and yet they are beautiful and worthy of admiration. Many people believe that depending on the Lord means that they have to content themselves with a mediocre life style or be happy to be poor. Let me remind you that the Lord has not only covered this world inch by inch with beauty and a wealth of resources but he has done the same for his people throughout history, think to King David or Solomon as in this text. Our God does not ration us with meager portions of his love, but gives in abundance to those who trust in the Lord.

28. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you!

The lillies of the valley, the grass of the fields and even the raven are not as valuable as we are to God, we have been made evidently superior to all other beings on this earth. If so much care is placed into the birds and the bees, how much more love do you think the Lord will place into our care? Bundles and bundles more!

There comes always a point when you have done as much as you can but even at that point it’s not over yet because God is able to continue working long after you have and much further than you can. So do your best, go as far as you can, work as hard as you can and then remember to enjoy your life also even through the struggles. The Lord has got your back, whist your sleeping he’s still working so trust in him, place no worries in your mind but little reminders to God in your prayers.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

original text can be found on All Black Woman