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

Worrying For A Living

Peace of mind is something that we all want. We all want to be able to rest, to not have to worry, and to feel free to enjoy life, family, friends, work, church, hobbies, entertainment, etc. We want to be able to enjoy ourselves and not be burdened down with worries that rob us of vibrancy, life, and most important, our joy. But what we want and what we get can be two different things.

The solution is to stop worrying. Many have tried. Every time I stop worrying about one thing, something else seems to rise up to tempt me to worry anew. Some people suggest that you can stop worrying just by the exercise of will power. There is only one Alfred E. Newman: “what me worry?” Paul talks about worry in two passages in Philippians 4.

“…I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” – Philippians 4:11. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.. – Philippians 4:6.

I am always drawn to the words “in every situation.” That means there is nothing too small or trivial to bring to Him. Martin Luther once said to, “pray and let God worry.” Everything is small and important to God, so take everything to Him in prayer. Prayer is the expression of our dependence upon his promises. It isn’t necessarily on your knees, or in the closet, but it can be simply that quiet, recognition that you need to lean back upon his grace and strength in everything.

God is not saying we should ask for everything we want. Instead, we’re to ask for everything we need. And what we need is His grace, his strength, insight, wisdom, patience, love and compassion.

So, let our requests be made known to God, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7.

Discussion Questions:
1. What do you tend to worry about most often – money, physical problems, your children? What exceptions do you usually make for your worries? How does this affect your daily walk with God?
2. Is anything wrong if we do worry? How do you know?
3.Turn to Matthew 6:25-34. In this one passage, Jesus exhorts his listeners four times not to worry and uses two examples from nature – birds and lilies – to show that His Father is intimately involved with the world. What does that passage say to you about worry?
4. What are some areas of worry you can take to God this week?
5. List some breakthroughs you have had with worry. Pray and ask God for more success in finding joy.

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