|
Worrying About Worry Philippians
4:6-7 “Do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace
of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(NKJV) Is there ever a time in our lives when aren’t worrying about something? It seems no matter how old are young we are, we find ourselves worrying about things we believe are most important. Ø As a child, we wonder if we will get invited to a peer’s party. Ø As a young teen, we are concerned social pressures (i.e. “fitting in”, what we wear, what others think). Ø As an older teen, we have our doubts about which college to attend. Ø In college, we contemplate our future career, our future spouse, and the reality of “real life” just around the corner. Ø As a newlywed, we struggle with the decision on when to have children. Ø As parents, we worry about our children/teens and their spiritual development. Ø As middle-agers we wonder if we chose the right career, and if we will be prepared for retirement. Ø As grandparents, we are concerned with how the children are raising the grandchildren, and our own physical health. Somewhere in the cares of daily living, there should also be a concern for our relationship with God. Actually, Jesus tells us that it should be at the top of the list: "Therefore
do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?' or "What shall we
drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For after all these things the
Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these
things. But seek first the Here are a few things to consider about worry.
First, worry is an act of disobedience. There is no reason
(internal or external) to worry when we have the kind of God we do.
It is a sin that denies God’s power, His providence, and His
provision. It unnecessary
for us to worry about the physical if our focus is on the spiritual.
Jesus gives us a conditional statement that if we “seek first
the Worry
never climbed a hill, Second, aside from the spiritual separation worry causes, physical side effects are often associated. These would include: High blood pressure, heart attacks, shortness of breath, ulcers, depression, digestive problems, and break down of the immune system. In fact Dr Charles Mayo once stated, “Worry affects the circulation, the heart, the glands and the whole nervous system. I have never met a man or known of a man to die of overwork, but I have know a lot who died of worry.” Finally, something CAN BE done about anxiety. While the method of overcoming worry sounds simplistic, it’s easier to read that to follow. 1. Trust in God and His promises. (2 Peter 1:4) a. As Paul did in Acts 27:25 b. Knowing that He is able do more than we can imagine (Eph 3:20) c. And that He is our refuge, strength, and help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1) 2. Have an active prayer life. (1 Thess 5:17) a. Casting your burdens on Him (Psalm 55:22) b. With an attitude of thankfulness for the blessings you enjoy (Phil 4:6-7) 3. Be accepting. a. Of your daily load (Matt 6:34) b. And of those things you cannot control (2 Cor 12:9) 4. Prioritize a. Matt 6:33 b.
|