According to the World Health Organization, Americans are more prone to anxiety than people in other nations. The study revealed that 31 percent of Americans suffer from this disorder at some point in their lifetime. The chief culprits that lead to this anxiety are money, work, and the pressure to achieve and succeed. According to the study, Americans’ anxiety is five times higher than that of people in Third World nations.
Long before the World Health Organization collected data and came to their conclusions, Jesus already knew that the human heart was prone to anxiety. So, on the sloping Galilean hillside, in the most powerful sermon ever heard, Jesus gave several reasons why it was irrational for His followers to live in submission to anxiety.
According to Jesus, worry is irrational because life is more than food and clothing (Matthew 6:25), God knows and meets His children’s needs (Matthew 6:26), worry doesn’t accomplish anything (Matthew 6:27), and worry is godless (Matthew 6:32). Jesus’ teaching combats the error that denies God’s care and love by supposing that we can establish our own bright future by temporarily securing our own life needs.
How can we begin to worry less? First, by asking God to search our hearts for any anxious thoughts (Psalm 139:23). Second, by casting all our cares upon God (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6-7). Third, by trusting that our heavenly Father knows our needs and will care for us (Matthew 6:32); His steadfast love will uphold us, and His consolation will encourage our hearts (Psalm 94:18-19).
Finally, we should live God-centered and Spirit-empowered lives (Matthew 6:33; Romans 8:6). When we trust God in our season of worry, our lives will exhibit the blessing and hope that only He can provide (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Daniel 1:1-21
More:
Read Philippians 4:6-7 and see what we should do with our worry.
Next:
What causes you to get anxious? How can you begin to worry less and trust God more?
roxanne robbins on May 28, 2013 at 1:30 am
Timely message for me as, of late, I’ve crept into the 31-percent of Americans dealing with anxiety. Thanks for the reminder that through the Holy Spirit, God enables us to exhibit hope rather than defeat.
Lamont on May 28, 2013 at 12:12 pm
This graph from “The Screwtape Letters” says it all:
“There is nothing like suspense and anxiety barricading a human’s mind against the Enemy (God). He wants men to be concerned with what they do:our (devil’s minions) is to keep them thinking about what will happen to them.”
Worry/anxiety has been like a plague in my life. I grew up in a home where kids were never safe due to abusive dad who was a rage machine.
Learning not to worry takes work. You have to stop those thought patterns in their tracks or listen to the Holy Spirit who convicts you. I then ask God to purge this element from my character as I ask foregivenes. Worry has taken too much time, energy and life from me.
I also carry around index cards with Bible verses written on them. When I get so caught up that my mind slides into that rut I pull back, create a quiet moment for myself and whip out these cards.
One says:
Behold, God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid.
Is. 12:2
tom felten on May 28, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Marvin, thanks for this message. Psalm 55:22 has meant so much to me over the years. When I’ve been tempted to become anxious or fearful over life situations, God—through this passage—has called me to give my concerns to Him. He alone provides the comfort and perspective I need!
mike wittmer on May 28, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Great message, Marvin! I have been encouraged by Colossians 2:9-10–“you have been given fullness in Christ.” My value is fixed and unchangeable, regardless how successful I am or am not. What a gift to be in Christ!
winn collier on May 28, 2013 at 4:56 pm
We are a most, most anxious people. It is not missed on me that Jesus said, so often: fear not.