The Secret to Living without Anxiety

“Do not fear, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the Kingdom.”  Luke 12:32, NASB

We are an anxious people. One thing that the recent pandemic has made clear is the rise of anxiety. Across all ages and stages of life, the circumstances of the day bring to light the fact that an ever-increasing number of people struggle with a lack of insight and a lack of control. 

This is not really unique to us in our generation. In reality, people from the past also struggled with the lack of control they had in the world. Further, we are never told to think otherwise! We are never told to rely on our control or to get better control of the world around us; rather; we are told to place our confidence in the One who never lost control of anything! 

Notice in this verse (which is a favorite of mine) a couple of key truths which bring me a great deal of comfort. 

• First, we are told to “fear not” or “do not fear.” God never instructs us to do the impossible; so, we discern here that it is possible to live without fear or anxiousness. 
• Second, we are reminded of our relationship. He is our “Father,” and we are His flock. Both of these powerful images remind us to trust our Shepherd King and our Father who guards and protects us. We are led to green pastures and still waters. Further, we are never abandoned in the in the dark valleys of the shadow of death. 
• Third, The Father has already chosen that our inheritance is the Kingdom. We cannot earn it; therefore, we cannot lose it. It is wholly His and therefore it is assuredly ours. 
• Finally, the Father does not do this begrudgingly, but gladly. He wants to give us the Kingdom. He wants to provide for us. He wants to care for us. He wants us to rely on Him. 

As a child, I learned to sing “He’s got the whole world…in His hands.” We can still trust in the truths of this song today. He does control it all and He desires to provide all we need from His own abundance. 

Originally published as part of the E-Connect devotional series at englewoodbaptist.com/econnect.