Can God Be Trusted? Matthew 6:25-34

“Some people feel the rain-others just get wet.”

Today’s Question:

Can you feel _courage_ when you experience worry and anxiety?

[[Psalm 118:24]]

Top 7 Anxieties Americans Face:

1. Money/Finances

2. Health (self/loved ones)

3. Job/Retirement

4. Relationship issues

5. Appearance (weight, wrinkles, warts)

6. Anxiety/Depression

7. Death/Dying

Today’s Question:

Can you feel courage when you experience worry and anxiety?

The question is NOT. . . .”Are you going to worry?” or “Are you going to stop worrying?”

But, “Are you letting anxiety and worry be your motivation that depletes and paralyzes which leads you to _self-pity_.

Anxiety/Worry is a complete cycle of inefficient thoughts and beliefs around the pivot of fear.

[[Matthew 6:25–34]]

The root of anxiety and worry for followers of Christ is _double-mindedness_.

So when Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life…” he is not talking about your emotions or feelings but rather your beliefs and thoughts.

“Merimao” Greek word for anxious/worry.

Combination of 2 Greek words:

“Merizo” = divide, drawn in a different direction.

“Nous” = mind

“Do not worry”, “Do not be anxious.” Literally means “stop letting your mind/thoughts be drawn in the opposite direction.” Stop being double-minded!!

What is Jesus saying?

When you worry and think about your needs for fears….

Trust your Heavenly Father.

[[Matthew 6:33]]

 

You can not kill tomorrow’s anxiety with today’s worries.

Courageous Worry (The good-side of worry)

1. Let your worries _work_ for you rather than against you.

2. Let your worries be directed toward _matters that matter_.

Anxiety often gives a small thing a big shadow.

“Seek” = intense desire of perseverance and zeal to achieve.

Goal: Learn where something is.

Let your worries bring you back to God.

“I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction I had no where else to go.”

-Abraham Lincoln

Foolish Worry:

  • Strikes out at God.
  • Disbelieves scriptures.
  • Mastered by circumstances and fear.

Song: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.

Settle the question, “Can God be trusted ?”

1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.”

Final encouragement for your backpacks. . . . 

  • Don’t be consumed by your worry about tomorrow because God is _already there_. 
  • God promises to be with you- always.

Refuse to put question marks where God has put _periods_.