What is Worry?

• A feeling of concern about something bad that might happen: the state or condition of worrying about something.
• A mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated

(Merriam Webster Dictionary)

To Worry is to:

• Think about problems or fears: to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen (Merriam Webster Dictionary)
• Feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems (Oxford Dictionary)
• Think about problems or unpleasant things that might happen in a way that makes you feel unhappy and frightened (Cambridge Dictionary)

Is Worry good? Obviously NOT, especially when it becomes excessive, persistent and uncontrollable.

Will worry solve problems? NO!

• You will become the problem.
• You will feel drained, discouraged, demotivated, depressed, distressed, and disheartened.
• You will end up spending physical, mental and emotional energy on things you can’t change or on things that will never happen.

What do people worry about?

Health, wealth, resources, possessions, family, career, position, reputation, relationship, what other people think, what the future holds, where will they spend eternity, etc.

How will worry affect your life?

• Mentally
• Leads to tension, anxiety and depression
• Makes it difficult to concentrate at home, work, school, camp
• Affects your job performance and lifestyle
• Drives you to self-medicate with drugs, suppressants, alcohol, etc
• Emotionally
• Leaves you feeling scared, restless, nervous and jumpy
• Causes you to lash out at people closest to you (family, friends, colleagues, etc.)
• Physically
• Makes you feel weak and sickly
• Suppresses your immune system leading to muscle tension, memory loss, insomnia, headaches, loss of appetite, stomach problems, digestive issues, heart diseases, heart attack, etc.
• Spiritually
• Cuts you off from fellowship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
• Makes you a target for demonic attacks and invasions
• Socially
• Leaves you feeling isolated and lonely
• Causes you to zonk out in front of TV, computer, telephone screens
• Cuts you off from fellowship with family members and friends

Western-trained doctors, Chinese physicians, psychologists and psychiatrists will tell you that worry is bad for you. But what does God say about worry?

1. Worry is Disobedience (vv.25-29)

2. Worry is Distrust (vv.30-34)

What does God say about worry? Don’t Do It! STOP it!

Why must we stop worrying?

• Worry is the opposite of faith
• Worry hurts us, others and God

By worrying, we tell God:

• We don’t believe Him
• We don’t trust Him
• We don’t have faith in His care and ability

In Matt 6:25-34, Jesus reminds us of this important truth and promise:

The God, who cares for the birds and flowers, will take care of you too.

Why? Because you belong to Him, and you are special and precious to Him.

How to stop worrying?

1. FOCUS

Keep your eye on the:

• Principal object of your faith = Jesus (v.25) - I
• the Supreme Being, the Creator Deity, the Almighty God
• the Omniscient (all-knowing), Omnipotent (all-powerful), Omnipresent (all-present) God
• the God who can do exceedingly abundantly more than what you can ask, think or imagine (Eph 3:20)
• Promise (v.25) - Tell
• Meditate on the promises of God
• Particular subject / person (v.25) - You
• You are His precious child
• Present (today) (v.34) - Don’t worry about tomorrow

If you lose you focus, you will lose your way.

2. PRAY

Philippians 4:6-7

• Talk to Jeuss
• Thank and praise Him
• Take His peace (Phil 4:7)

Exchange your worry for His peace

3. Cast

1 Pet 5:7

• Give Him all your worries and anxieties
• Lay all your burdens at His feet
• Leave them with Him permanently

How to stop worrying?

• FOCUS - keep your eye on Jesus, His promise and His counsel
• PRAY - about everything with thanksgiving
• CAST - all your cares, worries and anxieties to Him

Result:

• He will undertake for you
• His peace will guard your heart and mind
• You will be alert and sober minded (1 Peter 5:8--11)

His Challenge: Come to Me, all you who are weary and heave laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt 11:28)

His Command: STOP Worrying.

What must you do today?

• FOCUS - keep your eye on Jesus, His promise and command
• PRAY - about everything with thanksgiving
• CAST - all your cares, worries and anxieties to Him

Exchange your worries for His peace today!

Believe and trust Him for your miracle!