Perhaps the greatest aspect of Christ’s abundant life is being free of all worry and anxiety.
Psalm 23 – the Lord as our shepherd does not desire us to be anxious and worried
“I shall not want” – He provides for us
“He makes me to lie down in green pastures”
“He leads me beside the still waters”
He comforts us in the Valley of the Shadow of Death
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”
“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”
Three reasons the Lord does not want us to be anxious
Anxiety and worry cause a lot of physical, mental and emotional health issues, including but not limited to:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Diabetes
Respiratory diseases (COPD)
These will limit our effectiveness as our physical bodies are under strain and attack.
Anxiety is a lack of trust and faith
If we are anxious about something, we are telling God that we don’t trust Him to take care of it.
We feel the need to try to handle whatever we’re feeling anxious about by ourselves.
Exodus 14:11-12 – Israel complained to God out of fear. They didn’t think He could or would deliver them from the Egyptians
1 Samuel 13:1-15 – Saul was afraid and decided to take matters into his own hands.
Matthew 8:23-26 – The disciples didn’t trust the Lord to save them from the storm
Anxiety interferes with our relationship with the Lord and His body
It takes our focus off of the Lord.
Our entire focus shifts to whatever we’re anxious about.
Hebrews 11:6 – when we approach the Lord, we must do so in faith. Worry is the opposite of faith.
Faith allows us to trust that the Lord will do what He says, without knowing exactly how
Worry requires us to know and fully comprehend every step of the way and does not allow us to simply trust.
When we are constantly overcome by anxiety and worry, we can’t readily see what’s going on in the lives of those around us.
John 17:20-21 – Jesus prayed that we would be one with each other. That means we need to have an outward focus.
John 13:35 – Our love for one another is how the world sees Jesus
How do we overcome anxiety?
Prayer and Supplication – Philippians 4:6-7
Bring needs before the Lord. Make petitions before Him.
This will bring peace that guards our hearts and minds.
Cast our cares on Him – 1 Peter 5:6-7
Keep our eyes on the things above
Colossians 3:2
Philippians 4:8
When we bring our cares and burdens to Christ, we need to fill our minds with something else on which to meditate. We can’t choose to just not think about a problem without actively putting our minds on something else.
Seek after the kingdom of God – Matthew 6:24-34, Luke 12:22-34
Many of our worries come from following mammon – that is chasing riches.
God’s other creations (animals, flowers) don’t worry about things – why should we?
If He clothes the lilies of the field and their splendor is more than Solomon’s, why won’t He provide for us?
If we can’t accomplish seemingly minor things, why worry about the bigger ones as well?
Learn to be content in all circumstances – Philippians 4:11-13
Because he learned how to be content, Paul was able to put down many of his anxieties.
Developing a closer, more intimate connection with the Father
As we get to know Him and His true character more deeply we will worry about less.
Romans 8:28
God is going to work out everything for the good of those who love Him and call upon Him.
He’s going to lead us through the dark valleys, not send us through them.
He’s there to protect and guide us
Philippians 4:19
God will supply ALL your needs.
Paul was referring to finances here, but God will supply any need we have.
