Welcome to today's encouragement from our daily bread.

Today's reading titled, Quarantined by Fear, was written by Julie Schwab.

In 2020, an outbreak of the coronavirus left the world in fear.

People were quarantined, countries were put under lockdown, flights and large events were canceled. Those living in areas with no known cases still

feared that they might get the virus. Graham Davy, an expert in anxiety, believes that negative news broadcasts are likely to make

you sadder and more anxious.

A meme that circulated on social media showed a man watching the news on TV, and he asked

how to stop worrying.

In response, another person in the room reached over and flipped off the TV,

suggesting that the answer might be a shift in focus. Luke 12 gives us some advice to help us

stop worrying. Seek His kingdom. We seek God's kingdom when we focus on the promise that his followers have an

inheritance in heaven. When we face difficulty, we can shift our focus and remember that God

sees us and knows our needs. Jesus encourages his disciples in verse 32. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your father has been

pleased to give you the kingdom. God enjoys blessing us. Let's worship him, knowing he cares for us

more than the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. Even in difficult times, we can read the scriptures,

pray for God's peace, and trust in our good and faithful God.

Today's Our Daily Bread Devotional Scripture reading is from Luke chapter 12, verses 22 through 34.

Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon, in all his splendor, was dressed like one of these.

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown

into the fire, how much more will he clothe you? You of little faith. And do not set your

heart on what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it.

For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your father knows that you need them.

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