I’m sure I’m not the only one who frequently utters the words: “There are never enough hours in the day!” Or: “How will I ever get _____ done?” Still yet: “What’s going to happen if I don’t accomplish _____?” Whether it’s completing a few more home projects, getting ahead on work assignments, or even enjoying hobbies, it’s tempting to complain about the hours we are given each day. We want more time, but how often do we consider whether we need more time? If we find ourselves bogged down with unwarranted concern about the hours of our days, we have an anxiety problem. The Bible speaks to this very issue:
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? (Lk 12:25-26)
We would fully affirm the absurdity of thinking one could literally add time to their lifespan. After all, the years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty (Ps 90:10) and [we are] a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes (Jas 4:14). Almighty God could easily speak and grant innumerable hours, weeks, and years to our lives, but the fact is he hasn’t. Our days are numbered (Ps 139:16) and that’s a good thing! It is good for us to be reminded of our inability to extend time. Here are two reasons why:
1. When anxious, we downplay the Great Commandment.
Fully loving God and neighbor is the believer’s joy-enhancing agenda for life (Mt 22:37-39). When we lose sight of this, we turn inward and experience mental distress over things like time, clothing, and food—the very things we are commanded not to worry about (Lk 12:22). Our aim in life must not be prosperity or preservation, but rather Kingdom subjection—submission to the authority and agenda of the King of the universe. As subjects to King Jesus, we freely sell [our] possessions, and give to the needy (v33). Freedom gives, anxiety covets (vv.13-21). Seeking the Kingdom (v. 31) is knowing God and making Him known. Every hour is to be wrung out in this effort, not abandoned in anguished thought.
2. When anxious, we deny God’s gracious disposition toward those He loves.
Among the indicatives and imperatives throughout Luke 12:22-34 lies a field of glorious truths about the nature of God. Consider:
v28 - God clothes the grass.
v30 - God gives what His people need.
v32 - God watches over His little flock.
v33 - God considers it pleasure to give His people the Kingdom.
God is not a harsh taskmaster; His commands are not burdensome (1 Jn 5:3b). He tenderly calls His children, His little flock (v.32) to seek His kingdom (v.31) for their good. That’s us. What’s so good about life in the Kingdom? We are counted by God as greater in value than ravens (v.24) and are clothed in greater glory than Solomon ever knew (v.28). God gives what we need to accomplish His purposes in our lives. He considers this pleasure. It delights God to care for those under His sovereign hand.
Our Lord heaps up provision that we might serve Him and encounter joy we will never deserve to experience. This is grace! But how quickly we abandon this long-reaching shadow of care. How quickly we muster up human strength, but exhibit little faith. May we learn to come to and rest in the One in whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). The Ancient of Days is still leading His people in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake (Ps 23:3b). Truly, He still tends his flock like a shepherd (Isa 40:11a).
God grants us each hour of each day (and only each hour of each day) to feel the weight of His care. Why forfeit such a delight, such freedom from bondage to self-preservation and protection? In the words of hymn-writer Louisa Stead, “O for grace to trust Him more” (From ’Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus). What blessings await to those who will press in daily and prove the faithfulness of the King. What blessings await those who live to make Him known! The Kingdom, my dear friends, is not a matter of eating or drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17).
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And to take him at his word;
Just to rest upon his promise,
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!
Just to trust his cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
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