This Sunday Neal looked at something that affects us all – almost every day and has a profound effect in our lives – That being worry and anxiety.
Matthew 6 vs 25 has the heading in my bible “the Cure for anxiety” which makes me wonder why we don’t look at these verses more often when worry comes? I also looked at Philippians 4 vs 6-9 which starts with “ don’t worry about anything” – Great in theory but what about practice? How do we make these verses work for us when we are in stressful situations and worry kicks in which can lead to anxiety? We need to look at these verses and see what they offer us practically?
Matthew gives some pointers to help:
Vs 26 – You are valuable to God – You have value which puts truth to the lie that you are worthless and useless which is what the enemy will always tell you!
Vs 30 – God cares for you! What me? Yes – He cares for you which is backed up by 1 Peter 5 vs 7 – “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”
Vs 30 – Action – Why do you have so little faith? Believe what God says that you have value and that he cares for you and trust him – There is a faith dynamic here that is very important – don’t be passive – exercise your faith muscle!!
Vs 32 – God already knows all your needs – Why would he withhold good things from you – That is not his heart?
VS 32 – Action – Seek first the kingdom of God above all else – Seek God and he promises he will be found –
Philippians also gives us help
Vs 6 – Pray about everything! Perhaps you feel you can only pray about big things – God is not interested in the small things of life – but actually he is! We can pray about anything and everything no matter how small or how big!
Vs 7 – Remember what he has done – This helps our faith and trust in God – the old chorus we used to sing said “Count your blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done” – Then we are told we will experience God’s peace and his peace will guard your hearts and minds – This is a lovely picture that Paul uses as if he was talking about soldiers guarding something of value – they surround it with their bodies and protect it – This is what God says he will do for you and me.
Vs 8 – Fix your thoughts – another action word – we have to fix our hearts and minds and not worry – Paul says fix your thoughts on what is TRUE, honourable, right, pure, lovely and admirable – things that are excellent and worthy of praise – Jesus would be a good place to start!!
Vs 9 – Put into practice all you have learned and received – then The god of peace will be with you – This is not a one off fix – we have to continue to put into practice what we have learned as we move forward.
Ephesians 6 vs 10-18 Tells us how to deal with the enemy when he attacks – which he will do = particularly in the area of the mind –
Vs 10 – Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power – so often we try and deal with issues ourselves and use our own strength? God says my power is perfected in weakness – so why are you trying to be strong? The worlds mantra is “when the going gets tough – the tough get going” – but that is not the kingdom way?
We have a sword and a shield – Use them in the fight and bring the word of God to the battle – so important in bringing truth to the lies of the enemy!
Questions
God’s promises are so important for us to remember in the heat of battle – I have chosen 5 which have helped me – Choose 3 yourselves this week and share them together – they will encourage you and help build up your faith and trust in God who never fails!
My five were:
Jeremiah 29 vs 11-13
Psalm 145 vs 13-14
Psalm 94 vs 18-19
2 Corinthians 12vs 9
Romans 8 vs 38-39
God bless and have a great, worry free week!
