“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[b]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12.22-26
I used to hear psychologists often describe someone as having “trust issues.” I don’t hear that phrase as much anymore—not because the struggle has been eradicated among the human race, but because other terms have taken its place. Whatever experts are calling it today, many of us still wrestle with trusting others. Perhaps we had difficult parenting or other painful circumstances that caused us to withdraw inwardly and struggle with feelings of insecurity. Any number of situations can lead people to develop “trust issues.”
But the Bible pushes back against this very human struggle. Jesus says, “Do not worry about your life.” He repeats this twice in just four verses and then gives the brilliant illustration of how God cares for the birds—specifically the ravens, which are actually quite intelligent. If He feeds them, won’t He also feed us—both physically and spiritually?
I battle with trusting God daily. That is my confession. By committing my life to Jesus, I jumped into the river of God’s grace—only to start worrying about trying to swim and direct my own path. I surrender to the Most High God, then go about walking by sight instead of by faith. I don’t know about you, but I get anxious, stressed, and generally worry about all kinds of issues and potential threats.
Yet Jesus says not to do this. We cannot add a single hour to our lives by worrying. He is essentially saying: God has you. Period. End of story.
I’ve traveled from France to Wilmore, Kentucky—where, over thirty years ago, I prepared for seminary. At that time, I had no idea what God would do with my life. I didn’t know who I would marry or the names of my future children. I didn’t know the successes and struggles that lay ahead, or how God would lead me through them. But through it all, He was present, saying, “Do not worry. Do not fear. Your value is found in Me. I will lead and feed you.”
By “feeding,” I don’t mean only coffee and croissants. God promises to care for our minds, bodies, and souls. Every single step, every conversation I have today can be directed by Him. I simply show up, and God does the rest. I overcome my anxiety about trying to make everything happen when I remember that I have a Savior who is directing my steps. (And I saw Him doing exactly that this morning!)
So yes, I confess I have trust issues—but I have a Lord who is greater than my frailty, stronger than my insecurity, and steadier than my doubts. I have One who is fighting for me, and so do you. Trust in Christ now. Trust in the Lord and let the One who called you fill you—not with fear, but with faith in His love.
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. Thank You, Father, for guiding, shaping, and loving me. Help me know the power of Your love and the truth of Your mission. I thank You for promising to direct my steps and lead me along paths of righteousness. I love You, Lord, and I trust Your Word. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.