Why Worry When You Can Pray: Luke 21:5-19

 In Luke’s Gospel this week, Jesus speaks about signs of the End of Time which includes rumours of war, famines, persecution and imprisonment of believers. Yet what stood out to me a great deal are these words: “make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words of wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resists or contradict” (Luke 21:14-15).

 We live in a time when we worry about everything. We worry ourselves to sleep and worry so much that it prevents us from sleeping. We worry to the extent that it causes depression and anxiety and triggers other physical health complications. It is an undeniable fact that we have no control over how people will treat us, whether by persecution, false accusations, or just hating us. These are things we will face at work, at school, and perhaps in the very place we call home.

 We have become experts in establishing defensive mechanisms (e.g. an often-unconscious mental process that assists in reaching compromise solutions to personal problems) to combat something in the future, something that hasn't yet occurred, but that which we believe will happen. And in creating our defence, we inadvertently remove God from the equation. It's as if we are saying: "Lord, I got this, so you can keep out of it."

 Luke 21:14-15 refers to persecution of believers, and such it is still relevant today. An employer may persecute you if you have taken a certain stand. A supervisor may persecute you if you refuse to do something that conflicts with the word of God.  A fellow employee may persecute you because you received a promotion that such employee believed should have been theirs. Persecution can come in many forms. 

 


Jesus encourages us that we have no need to worry. Nonetheless, not to worry is a choice that must be initiated in your mind, and not merely with changes in your circumstances. In order to stop worrying, you have to renew your thinking. Shift your focus from the adversity to your knowledge of who God is. The Scriptures gives us details of God's power and divine ways He intercedes for his people. If you constantly entertain the thoughts of the adversity, you will continue to worry.

 Jesus said He will give us words and wisdom that none of our adversaries will be able to resists or contradict. So, the first thing to do is stop worrying, which can be accomplished by reading and meditating on victorious stories in the Bible in which God acted mightily for his people. Second, ask for a word and wisdom to address the situation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. When we rely on our limited understanding, worry is bound to pop up its ugly head. Worrying never changes the outcome in your favour. And as a song writer says: “Why worry when you can pray”.

 

R.G.  17/11/25

Image: pixabay.com

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