City Life Starter

Written by Nate Warren.

The Word

29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

-Luke 12:29-31

Reflection

Take a minute, and read this passage again, slowly.

What do you feel?

When I read this, I start to feel a complex web of confusion, contradiction, and… fear. I fear that my concern for career and financial security is leading my life and heart against the Word of my Lord. I fear that I’m of the world, not just in it.

I recall how humanity once ate of a garden planted and tended by God Himself. How Israel ate manna from the hand of God. How the birds brought Elijah food in the desert. How the widow of Zarephath’s jar did not run dry. I remember that Jesus fed not one, but two, multitudes of thousands from nothing but a snack.

I also feel a warm invitation; a Divine hand reaching toward me, beckoning me back to the garden. There, I no longer need to eat by the toil of the soil and the sweat of my brow. “There” is a space where earth and heaven kiss, where plenty overwhelms need, where humanity lives by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.

Application

However, this is your devotional time, not mine. What is it that God reveals in your feelings in this command? What is the invitation for you, today?

I encourage you to sit with your gracious Heavenly Father, wait and listen.

Prayer

Father,
I accept Your invitation. I trust that what I eat is a gift from You, and that it’s not my striving that will bring it to me. I wish to know You, the security of Your provision, and the comfort of Your presence. Teach me to seek Your kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, amen.