Fretfulness.  Anxiety.  Doubt.  Concern.  Worry.  As I read these verses from Luke 12 which comprise our lesson for this Sunday, this thought came to my mind: 

Worry is a self-inflicted wound.  

Before I type one more word, let me just go ahead and confess that I have lots of worry scars.  I am guilty of letting things set me way back and sit me flat down in a pile of personal defeat.  The glass is NOT full.  The clouds WILL come.  For some reason, I seem to initially see the “blues” side of life issues.  It’s not depression.  It’s simply…sin!  The Lord Jesus taught His disciples to pray and not to faint with worry or concern.  The Holy Spirit reminds me every day to let go and let God do this.

As we continue to address the issue of faith, we meet a man named “Barney.”  His story is found in Luke 12:15-21.  Jesus has just warned listeners to avoid every form of greed.  Contrary to currently popular belief, the abundance of possessions does not determine your “best life now.” 

To make His point, Jesus told a parable about a rich man.  This guy had so many “goods” and “grains” from his farm production that he had to find more barns for storage.  He would just keep building barns and keep increasing his STUFF.  He didn’t need anything or anybody.  His trust was in his success and his riches.  Eat.  Drink.  Be Merry.  There is nothing wrong with riches unless they become your object of worship.  Barney fell into that very chasm of self-sustaining pride. 

God got his attention.  That very night, his soul was required of Him. The one who lives for treasure and not for The Provider is a fool.  Jesus said so.  And, no, the guy’s name was not Barney.  I gave him that nickname.  In fact, his name is never mentioned.  Since “Barney” was more interested in stuffing his barns, he would be remembered for his greed. 

The three basic needs of life according to sociologists are food, clothing and shelter.  In these blood-red-letter verses, Jesus delivers the balm for worry and anxiety.  Our daily confidence should rest in the provision God promises to those who trust in Him. 

The word “provision” comes from a Latin word.  “Providere” means to foresee and attend to. “Pro” means before and “videre" means to see.  God sees our needs and tends to them. Last week, we were reminded that God knows our needs before we ask but He wants us to ask!  He also wants us to trust Him to ProVide.

Once again, the “how much more” principle applies.  Jesus uses the example of birds and wildflowers to express His care for His own.  The birds are cared for by the Bird Maker.  God feeds them.  The wildflowers are here today and gone tomorrow but while they are here, they shine and glow and reek of beauty.  God plants them and sustains them.  We are so much more dear to God than birds and wildflowers.  He will provide for our every need as well. 

Worrying will not make you one inch taller.  Worrying will not add one second to your lifespan.  Worrying is a complete waste of time.  It also displays a lack of faith.  God reminds me of this every day when my fret meter pegs in overdrive. 

Jesus called them (and us!) “Oligo-pistoi.”  Oligo is the Greek word for puny, brief, few, little, small, tiny, insignificant.  Pistoi means faith.  So, when we worry, we are puny faith-ers.  Jesus said so.  The Greek word for “worry” is “merimna.”  That sounds like we are saying, “Merry? Hm? Nah.”  The opposite needs to be our default setting. 

Jesus said we are to seek His kingdom FIRST and all these (other) things we need will be added to us.  God is in the need-meeting business.  Sometimes, He provides a few of our wants as well.  The best news is this:  when we put God first, He changes our “wanter” to want what He wants.  His will and His way become our will and our way. 

My favorite verse in this passage is 32: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  Can you imagine that your trusting faith will cause the Father to say, “Here’s exactly what you need.  It’s my pleasure to provide it!”  Why be bullish and risky when you can be sheepish and trust your Provider?!

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  Jesus said so.  I can remember my granny quoting that verse to me.  Then she would grin and grab my soul with these words, “Darlin, where’s yore treasure?  Do you need to change banks?”

Our confident faith can rest completely in Jesus.  Our most valuable treasures are to be treasures in heaven.  Safe.  Secure.  Solid.  When you gaze at your earthly treasures and glance at God, you are a pauper.  When you glance at your earthly treasures and gaze at God, you are a truster. God loves trust-ers and faith-ers. Don’t be a Barney.