Worry, Stress, and the Great Relief

vs. 1-3 Joy is the soul of praise. To delight ourselves in God is most truly to extol him, even if we let no notes of song proceed from our lips. -Charles Spurgeon

We see in this passage that true meaning is found in being his.

Too many are lost in this world due to stress and worry.

The over riding common theme in broken humanity is fear.

Fear leads to worry and stress.

Fear is not of God.

In a day of fear, we need assurance.

Eusebius once said, ‘As we retrace their steps, he said, we hear them, as it were, “raising their voices as a man holds up a torch from afar, calling to us from on high as from a distant watch-tower, and telling us how we must walk, and how to guide the course of our work without error or danger.”

English Standard Version Psalm 33

4 For the word of the LORD is upright,

and all his work is done in faithfulness.

5 He loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,

and by the breath of his mouth all their host.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;

he puts the deeps in storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;

let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!

9 For he spoke, and it came to be;

he commanded, and it stood firm.

vs. 4-9 dabar- word; matter, or affair. Word of God, as divine communication in the form of commandments, prophecy, and words of help to his people, used 394 times.

His word is his commandments and present/future assurance to HIS PEOPLE.

1. The word of the Lord is key.

> vs 6. In “word” and “breath”—or, “spirit,” there may be an allusion to the Son (Jn 1:1) and Holy Spirit.

2. The word of the Lord is sure.

> vs 9. ‘It came to be.’ Genesis 1 account of creation.

3. The word of the Lord is our foundation in all things.

> vs 8 The call to listen and rest in his word.

English Standard Version Psalm 33

10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;

he frustrates the plans of the peoples.

11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,

the plans of his heart to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,

the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

vs 10-12 Here we see the call to follow; a call to action that brings glory to him. Fear, worry, and other obstacles are to be placed in his care.

He is in control and we must seek our peace in him alone.

Philippians 4

English Standard Version Chapter 4

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

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