In your worry, observe the small things - I ou popolega, mātau lelei mea iti

Scripture Focus: Luka 12:22-48

He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they don’t sow, they don’t reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don’t grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn’t fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. “Let your waist be dressed and your lamps burning. Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the marriage feast; that, when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you, that he will dress himself, and make them recline, and will come and serve them. They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don’t expect him.” Peter said to him, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?” The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he comes. Truly I tell you, that he will set him over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My lord delays his coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken, then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he isn’t expecting him, and in an hour that he doesn’t know, and will cut him in two, and place his portion with the unfaithful. That servant, who knew his lord’s will, and didn’t prepare, nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes, but he who didn’t know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.
- Luke 12:22-48 (WEB)

Study:

In this passage, Jesus instructs His disciples not to be anxious about the necessities of life—food, clothing, and daily needs—highlighting God’s providential care for all creation. He uses birds and lilies as examples to show that God values us even more and will provide for our needs. Jesus challenges us to trust God rather than be consumed by worry over what we cannot control. He calls us to seek first God’s Kingdom, promising that our needs will be met. Furthermore, the passage emphasizes readiness for Christ’s return, highlighting the need to live faithfully and responsibly as stewards of what God has entrusted to us, knowing that accountability will be required.

Application:

In our daily lives, it is easy to become overwhelmed by worry about finances, health, or future uncertainties. This passage reminds us to focus on God’s faithfulness and provision rather than being paralyzed by anxiety. By paying attention to the small, everyday blessings—like the care God provides to birds and flowers—we can grow in trust and peace. Moreover, living as faithful stewards means being diligent and prepared spiritually, understanding that our lives are a gift and responsibility from God. When we prioritize God’s Kingdom and live with expectancy of Christ’s return, it transforms how we handle our worries and responsibilities.

Reflection Questions:

• What are some small, everyday examples of God’s provision that you have noticed recently?
• How does worry about daily needs affect your faith and relationship with God?
• In what ways can you actively seek God’s Kingdom first in your life today?
• How prepared do you feel for Christ’s return, and what might you do to grow in readiness?
• What responsibilities has God entrusted to you that require faithful stewardship?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to trust Your provision each day and to surrender my worries to You. Teach me to observe the small blessings that reveal Your care and to live faithfully as a steward of all You have entrusted to me. Strengthen my heart to seek Your Kingdom above all and prepare me for Your coming. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: worry, anxiety, trust in God, provision, stewardship, Kingdom of God, Luke 12, faith, Christian living, readiness, Jesus teaching