What Jesus Did! 'Why the Bigger Things?' — Luke 12:22-26

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?"
— Luke 12:22-26 NLT

Key Thought

Life is more than food and clothing. God has reminded us of this fact throughout the Scriptures. Jesus reminded us of it when he faced temptation from Satan at the beginning of his public ministry. [1] So we shouldn't worry, because God will take care of the big stuff and the little stuff! Worrying doesn't change things, big or small, except to make those problems appear worse than they really are. So why let ourselves get so worked up into a frenzy over "a little thing" - or even "bigger things"? Let's cast our cares on God and then trust in his providence.

[1] Luke 4:3-4.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, my loving Abba Father, you knew I really needed to hear this passage today and think through its meaning in my life. You're telling me, "Don't worry!" Even more so, you're telling me, "Quit worrying!" I know my worries about things can't change them. So then please give me faith that you are already working on both the big things and the little ones and that I can trust you to see me through. Give me wisdom, strength, courage, and love. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Worry Never Accomplishes Anything
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger...."
Getting Past Your Worries
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Yesterday, I spoke to you about fear. Today I want to talk to you about worry and sins that lie behind so many of your worries:..."
Remembering What Really Matters
Article by Rubel Shelly
So where are you investing your time, your moments, your days? Rubel Shelly reminds us to focus and live based on what lasts and is important and endures into eternity.
Momma Dog's Brief Vacation
Article by Amy C. Baker
When was the last time you got away with a friend and the Father? We all need to get away now and again and retreat into the quietness and grace of God for our renewal.
See All 8 Related Resources about Luke 12:22-26

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 12:22-26 NLT — And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, August 17, 2023

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
2 Samuel 7:22
"How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Pray You Will Exhibit God’s Love and Patience'
"And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Malachi 3:2
"His first coming was without external pomp or show of power, and yet in truth there were few who could abide its testing might. Herod and all..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by George A. Buttrick:
"We need deliberately to call to mind the joys of our journey. Perhaps we should try to write down the blessings of one day. We might begin; we could never end;...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!