“[Do not] be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them… Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:29-30, 32
When Jesus speaks about worry, He directs our attention to the Father: “You have a heavenly Father who cares for each of his children more than you ever can.”
This Father is the Shepherd of the flock who says, “I am your Shepherd. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. They will not sweep over you. Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will be with you. My rod and staff will comfort you.”
We worry about whether we’ve done a good enough job to guide our kids, as if everything depended on us. The Lord is their Shepherd. Isn’t He able to lead them in right paths? And if they become lost, isn’t the Lord able to seek them, find them, and bring them back?
A young boy sails his little boat across a pond. He tries to aim it in precisely the right direction before letting it go. But it never goes where he wants it to go, because no matter how carefully he points it, there are other forces in play—like the blowing wind.
Here you are as a parent, trying to point this little fellow in the right direction, and then you let him go. Isn’t it good to know that you can trust your heavenly Father? He doesn’t promise that the way will be easy, but He does promise He’ll be with you all the way.
Will you let Jesus direct your attention to the Father today?
