Back to school. That seems to be on everyone’s mind these days. Today was the “Day of Spiritual Renewal” for the church workers in the Southern Illinois District. At the opening worship service this morning, we heard the Gospel lesson from last Sunday from Luke 12. We read in verses 22 & 23: And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing."

You know, one hour on Sunday is just not enough for most of these texts. I heard the sermon about worry on Saturday night at Good Shepherd Lutheran, spoke to the preschoolers about this during the sermon on Sunday morning at Good Shepherd Lutheran, and then heard President Mueller preach an excellent sermon on this again this morning. What a blessing! I suppose that means I should be through with all worrying! NOT! Satan continually puts those worrisome thoughts into our heads.

I mentioned to the preschoolers on Sunday that they might be both excited and nervous about the start of school. Maybe they are going to school for the first time. Maybe they are going to a new school. Maybe they won’t know anyone on their first day. Maybe this is their first time away from Mommy. Those are real worries for many children. Older children worry about fitting in, about their hair and clothes and shoes, about their new teacher, about making the team, about their grades. Back to school brings worries for parents, too. They worry for their child’s safety and for their happiness. And the teachers—even the experienced ones—worry about this new school year. What will the students be like? What will their parents be like? Will I be able to make a difference?

As we enter in to this fear of the unknown, one thing is certain. We are not alone. We do have a friend with us in all situations—our best friend, Jesus. And even as we worry about all the uncertainties of life, Jesus reminds us in verse 32 why we needn’t worry: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

We have the kingdom! We have forgiveness! We have the gift of eternal life! God has taken care of our sin problem (and what problem could possibly be bigger than that?) through His son, Jesus Christ. Trust Him to take care of everything else as well.

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for Your gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Please fill us with Your peace as we face the many uncertainties of life, confident of the certainty of Your care for us.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen