Do not be afraid... but how?

Luke 12:29-33: "And don't be concerned about what to eat and what do drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need."

According to verses 31 and 32, the key to overcoming fear is God's kingdom. What then, is God's kingdom? In a typical kingdom, there is a king and there are many subjects. The king is sovereign and the subjects are in submission to him. God's kingdom, is therefore, a place, or situation, where God is sovereign and His people are in submission to Him.

However, unlike earthly kingdoms, in God's kingdom, His subjects are also his children (see verses 30 and 32) . This indicates the special position of Christians. When we choose to submit ourselves to God's sovereignty (authority), we receive also His adoption into His family. As our Father, the Bible says God already knows our needs. We need not worry for He will provide.

This naturally raises the question: what does it mean to submit ourselves to God's sovereignty? Verse 33 advises us to sell our possessions and give the proceeds to those in need. Money is always a big concern for many families. From the earthly viewpoint, it is only prudent financial management to hoard money rather than to give it away. But yet, Jesus taught the opposite. He taught that we should sell our possessions (give up our own interests) and give to those in need (put God's interests before our own). And this, I believe, is what it means to submit to God's sovereignty.

In short, Christians do not fear (or rather, should not fear) because we trust that when we submit to God (as King) and put His priorities first, He (as Father) will ensure our needs will be met.