"Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12: 6 - 7).
How many times do we find the injunction: "Do not be afraid" in the Bible? A cursory search gives 350 times. While this may not be exact, it is enough to demonstrate that we are too fearful and that God is deeply concerned about our foolish fears. On one occasion, the People of God were so fearful about their future and accused God of having forsaken them. God's defense is one of the most tender words you can read anywhere:
"But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.”
Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget, I will never forget you." (Isaiah 49: 14 - 15).
Even if it were possible for a rogue mother to cast away her child, it is impossible for God to do that. In today's Scripture, Jesus says that God is concerned about one sparrow which costs less than one penny. His providential care for us notices every hair on our head.
Yet in spite of such assurances, our life is full of worry. Worry about health, family, job, possessions, etc. In the Scripture from Hebrews, God gives us the killer word on worry about money:
"Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” Thus we may say with confidence:
“The Lord is my helper,
and I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?” (Hebrews 13: 5 - 6).
"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (Cf Psalm 95: 8)
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