Dear Friends,

When did you learn to worry? It’s a question worth asking. Most of us can’t remember. People in our lives in an effort to keep us safe trained us to worry. Not only did we learn to fear real dangers but also an unlimited number of abstract possibilities. At this point, the world becomes a place where failing to meet the expectations of others and ourselves feeds a constant low-grade anxiety. To not worry is thought of as not caring or being irresponsible. We often begin to assume that any planning or preparation must be mixed with worry to be human.

Jesus called us to a different way of being. Jesus wants us to be prepared for everything by following Him as the Holy Spirit leads. He does not command us to worry, in fact, Jesus commands us to live worry-free. He knows that for you and me to be free and full of joy we must be worry-free.

Sunday we will explore the three things we can do to unlearn our anxious training and pursue the true happiness only God can give.

I can’t wait to see you,

Blessings,

Joe

Please prayerfully consider the following scriptures and questions.

Call a friend that you think could benefit from this topic. Plan to attend a small group and discuss this material. Make coming to a preaching service a priority this week.

 

Matthew 6:25-34 “For this reason, I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

When do first remembering worrying and why where you worried?

 

What is the difference between wise planning and worrying?

 

How can anxiety affect your in health, happiness, and holiness?

 

Why does Jesus tell us to intentionally look and consider nature to unlearn your worrying ways?

 

What are to look for?

Matthew 6:26-30 “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

 

Have you ever followed these instructions?

 

What happened?

 

Do you believe Gods promise of peace?

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

 

 

Is this common?  If not, why not? What does it mean to seek?

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

 

 

How can we pray for you?

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own