Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us at the next Sunday worship service:
In-Person
9:00am & 10:45am,
Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

What, Me Worry?

“[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).” – Ephesians 3:19-31 (AMP)

Alfred E. Neuman is the fictitious mascot and cover boy of Mad, an American humor magazine. The catch phrase on every one of the Mad magazines is “What, me worry?” The point being that while we don’t want to worry we do so anyway. We all have to admit that worry is a common temptation in life—for many, it is a favorite pastime. America, the most affluent society in the world is also the most worry-filled society in the world. But why do we worry? Jesus said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”(Luke 12:25). Then, in the following verse (Vs. 26) Jesus pointed something else out: “Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

If we sat down and really thought about it, I believe we would come to the conclusion that worry doesn’t do or accomplish anything. Worry never works. Worry never solves problems, and it wastes energy and time. It never extends life. Worry never hurries answers. It falsely gives one a feeling of “doing” something, yet it does nothing. It is unreasonable, unnatural, unhelpful and unnecessary. It is hard to argue with that, yet, how many of us would say yes to what, me worry?

The antidote to worry is trusting God. Instead of denying the fact that you’re worrying, face it with God’s Word. God never leads us wrong. James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” Jesus says in Matthew 7:11, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Stop worrying. Instead, start trusting God.

Most of us have read the story of Jesus walking on the water, found in Matthew Chapter 14. When the disciples saw Jesus in the middle of their stormy night, they called him a ghost. (Matthew 14:26) To them, it was anything but God. When we see ghosts on the horizon in our lives we have the same reaction. We see difficulties, trials and pain as anything but from God, so we worry. We fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (vs. 27) When Jesus is part of our lives, all the difficulties, the storms of life, will disappear. Life will be grand, almost perfect. Our questions will be answered. We will worry less. We know that is not the case. Life will not be perfect, and we will still worry and have questions. We must learn to trust God no matter the circumstances, whether in rough or calm seas because He can be trusted in all circumstances. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. This passage instructs us to fully trust in God, not on our own understanding. How do we know if God is trustworthy? What are some specific ways we can trust in Him?
  2. What is the difference between loving and trusting God in your opinion?
  3. Does trusting God mean that we will do whatever God says in the Bible, even if we don’t agree with it. Why do you think it’s hard to trust Him with everything?
  4. Sometimes God allows things in our lives that we would never choose on our own. Have you, or someone you know, found specific ways to continue to trust Him when life is really hard?
  5. What can you do to take your hands off your life, and simply let go? What is one thing you can completely give to God now?

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