“For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:30-31).

Seek first the kingdom of heaven and all these things will be added to you as well.

For many of us, this is a well known and often cited verse.

I find the context in which Jesus speaks this truth in the Gospel according to Luke. Jesus says that the nations of the world strive after all these things? What are these things?

In the previous verses, Jesus speaks about worrying. Particularly worrying about what to eat and what to wear. Jesus tells the disciples not to worry about such things because the Father knows that we need them. There’s a reason why these two things go together – not worrying, and the Father.

When I was pastor in Texas, we regularly sent short-term mission teams to Uganda Africa where we worked in a children’s center that took in orphans. The only kids who worry about what to eat and what to wear are orphans. My children may have had worries about lots of things, but they’ve never worried about not being able to eat or not having clothes. In fact, it would really silly for them to do so when mom and dad were around who provided more than enough for them.

That’s the point. Jesus says to his disciples, you are not like the other nations. Unlike others, you have a Father. The Father already knows everything you need and provides for you. So stop acting like orphans! Stop with your worrying. That won’t get you anywhere. Instead, focus on your Father. Focus on what he’s called you to be. Seek the Father’s will. And all these things will be given to you as well.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Who will win the election? What will the country be like four more years of Trump’s presidency? What will our country be like under Biden’s presidency? How many more hurricanes? Fires? When will the deaths of African Americans by the hands of police officers come to a halt? When will the vaccines be ready? When will we finally be over covid?

There are so many unknowns. No one knows.

What are Christians supposed to do in such days as these?

Listen. It’s okay not to know what our future holds. It’s okay not to know as long as you’re following the One who does know. It’s God’s job to lead. It’s our job to trust and obey.

How does God guide Christians in the thick of the fog of today’s confusion?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

Here’s the thing about the Scriptures. We can be certain of our ultimate destination. The Scriptures are clear. God wins. God triumphs. God will make all things right. Those who reject God face God’s judgment and wrath. Those who receive Jesus, God’s gift of eternal life, will be welcomed into God’s eternity.

As for day to day illumination…God’s word shows us where we are and our next step – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

Ever go camping and use a lantern? Lanterns are great for illuminating a closed space and the area right in front. God’s word is like that. God doesn’t show us what next week, month, years will look like. What God does reveal to us is how we ought to live in the present. God’s word shows us the next step. And when we take that step, God’s word illumines the next.

That’s how it works. And it’s probably for the best. I don’t think anyone of us would have chosen to take steps into 2020 had we known how this year has been playing out.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

It’s okay not to know the way out of this fog as long as you know the One who knows all. All you need to do is to stay close to him. Trust and obey.

Go ahead. Take the next step. Begins with studying and knowing God’s word. God’s word is the light.

“His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).

Remember the saying, “I wouldn’t touch him with a six foot pole!”

Who knew that this would become the rule for everyone in 2020?

These have been strange and difficult days. There’s no sugar coating it. The level of racial unrest, the economic turmoil of covid-19 shutdowns, the hurricanes, the fires, the social distancing.

That’s why I find God’s promise in our verse so surprising. God tells us that he has given us everything needed for life and godliness. The word for life in our text is “zoa”. The Greeks had another word for life, “bio”.

• Bio refers to being alive, breathing, existing.
• Zoa is totally different. Zoa refers to life as it was meant to be lived. This is a life that is full of God’s shalom and peace. This is thriving in life. This is the life Jesus promised in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

God really does expect us, even in 2020, to live “zoa” life.

However, this life is contingent upon us living life according to God’s way, God’s truth, God’s word.

So, here’s the thing. God didn’t ask us to like what is happening right now. But God does expect us to live fully God’s blessed life today. Because it’s by living God’s “zoa” life that the saints can be a blessing to a world desperate for God’s blessing.