What God Has to say about Worry Phil
What God Has to say about Worry Phil. 4:5-7 EBC 10/28/07
One of the greatest hindrances to our Christian walk is something that has become part of life- WORRY. Worry- American Heritage Dictionary- to feel uneasy or concerned about something, a troubled state of mind resulting from concern about current or potential difficulties. To seize with the teeth and shake.
ILL- The Archbishop of Dublin had a morbid fear of being paralyzed. One evening at a dinner party the lady he sat next to heard him muttering to himself “It has happened at last total insensibility of the right limb”. “Your Grace”, said the lady, “it may comfort you to learn that it is my leg you are pinching”.
Over 100 diseases are attributed to worry. Worry will not only take away your physical energy it will also rob your soul of stamina.
I. A Word about Problems (4:6a) John MacArthur- there is no greater source of spiritual stability than to know the Lord is near. Unfortunately, when they face trials, believers often seem to forget what they know about God.
A. A caution to observe – the Bible doesn’t attempt to downplay the existence of problems.
1. Job. 14:1- man born of a woman is of a few days and is full of trouble.
2. Job. 5:7- man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward.
3. Ecc. 2:23- For all his days are sorrow
B. A command to obey-
1. When it comes to fretting over the problems of life God has a one word solution- DON’T.
2. The word WORRY comes from the Old English word which means to strangle. It was used to refer to the practice of wolves killing sheep by biting them in the neck and strangling them.
3. This is what it will do to your life.
4. What is the problem with worry? It shows a lack of trust in God and the provisions he has given us. Worry doubts God’s ability.
a. Luke 12:6-7 –
5. Why should we not worry?
a. God knows what you are facing and will face – Prov. 15:3 – the eyes of the Lord are in every place, Job. 23:10- but He knoweth the way that I take
b. God cares about what you face – 1 Peter 5:7
c. God has promised to take care of you – Phil. 4:19
II. A Word about Prayer (1:6b) if we aren’t to worry then what are we to do?
A. The Act of Prayer – instead of worrying we are counseled to pray.
1. Prayer- the general word for our coming into the presence of God. It pictures a weak child seeking a stronger parent. Prayer is about our adoration and praise for the Father. When troubles come in our lives one of the greatest sources of strength we have is coming into His presence.
2. Supplications- this is a earnest sharing our specific needs and burdens. This is a prayer of a specific issue.
B. The atmosphere of prayer – in everything. Noting is too big or small to God.
C. The attitude of prayer- with thanksgiving. We should come to God with a thankful heart.
a. 1 Thess. 5:18-
III. A Word about Promises (1:4:7a)
When we come to the place where worry doesn’t govern who we are and what we ado there are some precious promises affiliated with this.
A. God promises His peace- peace is tranquility of soul. Imagine a lake where the water looks like a glass – that’s peace.
1. Isa. 26:3-
2. It is a peace that is divine in origin
a. John 14:27-
B. God promises preservation
1. He will stand guard over our hearts and minds.