People can worry about almost anything. I’ve heard of the medical term Anatidaephobia, which means the fear of being watched by a duck. This means someone will actually think about whether a duck is looking at them to the point of worry and anxiety. In Luke 12, when Jesus said “do not worry,” I’m sure he wasn’t thinking about the fear of being watched by a duck, but it still isn’t something God wants us to worry about.
In fact, God doesn’t want us to worry at all. In Luke 12:25 Jesus asks, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”
Worry can’t add to our lives, but it can take away. Medical reports have listed worry as a cause of stress on the heart, leading to other physical symptoms in the body. People have lost their lives due to worry.
Luke 12:30 says, “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs”. What is dominating your thoughts? According to this verse, we are to think differently from the world. The world may worry about money, clothes, food or even ducks. We can think differently and trust that God doesn’t only know our needs, but wants to supply them.
If worry isn’t good for us, what can we do? The answer is found in Luke 12:31, “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Our answer isn't to worry, but to prioritise our relationship with God. All the needs and wants that we can worry about aren’t as important as our relationship with God.
God wants to meet our needs. Our God is greater than our worries. Jesus gives examples of how even the birds are taken care of and He says that you are more valuable than the birds. You are more valuable than the duck that might be watching you.
1 Peter 5:7 says “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” We serve a God greater than our worries and cares. He cares for us and wants to have a relationship with us. He doesn’t want us to worry and especially not to worry about that duck.
