The Answer to Worry

Spelunking in Rockwood Park — A moment of panic

if God is God up there he will be down here as well

It is not wise to tell an anxious person to calm down. Or someone who is hyperventilating to breathe normally. I have found what helps most is being a peaceful presence in the midst of another’s storm.

Worry is not a virtue in the spiritual life. What are virtues are Thanksgiving and Trust and as we will see one feeds the other.

What is Worry?

Worry is Fretting — “It is up to me!” Compulsive activity. Unable to be still. Sleepless nights. Irritability. The need to control something, because we feel out of control

Concern with how others perceive us

It is something people do who do not trust that God is truly for us

It is wasteful — Consumes Energy with no Product

What worry is not

Anxiety disorders: medical conditions that need to be treated as such

Like other forms of mental disease — we need healing from that.

Jesus teachings do not exclude those with anxiety

BUT other interventions like medication and Counselling are also needed

No room for self-condemnation or guilt. Be gentle.

What to do about worry

Unlike Sunday school ministry — worry is not a life sentence.

Jesus gives practical guidance to grow in trust and peace as we move further into his Kingdom

Consider — How God works in creation. The Birds of the Air, the Grass of the Fields

Needing Converse 1 Star Kicks

Time with God exposes the silliness of such things as competing with the Jones’

But it also helps us focus on the nature of God: God provides for our needs

Do not Fret — God has your back. Time with God moves us from worry to trust.

Seek First the Kingdom

Make God’s Priorities your Priorities

Qualities of the Kingdom: Community, Justice, Beauty, Authentic Spirituality, The Right Use of Power (NT Wright)

The Upside down Kingdom — William Kraybill. Looking down the ladder instead of up. Looking up highlights what we lack . It breads envy and insecurity. Looking down helps us to appreciate what we have. It produces gratitude. Gratitude produces generosity.

Be in the Moment

The problem with News Networks. Constant Breaking News

It robs us of presence

It overwhelms us

Don’t go looking for things to worry over, but be in the sphere God has given you.

Embody the Peace of God

Telling someone not to worry may not be the best tactic

Instead we are to practice peace — seeking God’s provision knowing we are not on our own

Consider. Seek the Kingdom. Be in the moment

Thankfulness. Gratitude helps us to appreciate what we have — and who had provided it.