"Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

There seems to be a pandemic of anxiety and fear. The spread of the COVID-19 virus is causing people to seek quarantine and isolation for protection. Global financial markets continue to plummet, largely spurred by the fear of economic damages from the effects of COVID-19. And now, a new international oil price war is creating more economic havoc. (And ... we can’t forget to mention the ongoing rancor and drama in this current American Presidential election year, which is not really a new thing, if you think about it – but it can add more stress and anxiety to an already fearful environment.)  Whew! Just typing this paragraph is wearying!

Anxious and fearful times are nothing new. We read Jesus’ words to his anxious disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life…” (Luke 12.22) If the disciples weren’t worried about their welfare or protection, Jesus wouldn’t have issued this specific command. Although the disciples’ fears were rooted in a different context, the question expressed in fear or anxiety is the same for us: “Will I be OK in this unsafe world?”

Jesus’ answer is not simply a quick “yes, of course.” But he digs deeper (as he always does!) and draws our attention to our hearts’ affections: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12.34)

In other words, what you treasure expresses what you trust.

And trust is a heart-issue.

God is a realist. He knows our needs. Which is why Jesus says, “For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.” (Luke 12.30) That is meant to reassure us. God knows your personal, private needs. We are known, personally, by the eternal God Most High. And he cares for us.

So because of Jesus, we have a different and better response to anxiety or fear: “Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12.31)

To “seek” is another heart-issue. It means to intentionally turn our attention and affections toward God – to his rule and reign, his presence and power in us.

Here are three practical tools I have found helpful in my life-long journey of learning how to “seek first” God’s kingdom in an age of uncertainty.

First of all, limit your exposure to social media or online news sites. There is only so much stress and pressure our souls or brains can take! Quiet your mind and heart in this season of increasing noise and mayhem by being quiet and still. Follow the wisdom expressed in Psalm 131: I don’t concern [obsess or worry] myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp [because who can really understand this virus or the financial markets anyway?].  Instead [of fretting and worrying], I have calmed and quieted my soul…O Israel, put your hope in the Lord—now and always.

Then, turn your heart and mind to the Lord. Set your heart on seeking God first – turn your “eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12.2). Look to him for your hope and wisdom. It is helpful to use specific passages of Scripture to set your heart on Jesus, and to remind yourself of how faithful and reliable God is: some good examples are Psalm 118 or Matthew 11.28-30. Moreover, read the works of faithful and reliable saints, such as Oswald Chambers, who wrote: “Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus.” (Utmost for His Highest, March 9)  Digest the works of Christian leaders or writers as part of your regular spiritual diet.

Finally, seek practical ways to tend to the needs of others.  Rather than hoarding, seek ways of serving. Our giving can be a therapeutic means of trusting God – it takes our eyes off our own worry and leads us to believe God, obey him, and trust he will provide. Jesus was very clear about this:  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

(Luke 12.32-34)

Here is a very helpful link that shares an ancient yet modern spiritual discipline, known as the “Daily Examen.”  This is a Biblical and ancient way of living into Jesus’ call to “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

https://www.danwilt.com/the-daily-examen/

Jesus has ushered us into a new kingdom – a new realm, of God’s presence and power available today. This is good news amidst so much bad and sad news.