October 11 | Overcoming the Worries of Life

Series | The Overcoming Life

Scripture | Luke 12:22-23, “22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.”

Lesson 11 | Worries of Life, “I’m Consumed With Worry”

Worry is faith in fear.  Worry comes from our lack of trust in a good God who promised to never leave us nor forsake us, Hebrews 13:5.  We worry the most when we trust God the least.  Worry will never pay our bills, increase our productivity, give us favor, or make us strong.  Worry never brings about something positive- it only drains our hopes and saps ours strength.  Worry can even choke out the life of God in us and cause us to perish, Mark 4:19.    

Plus, worry’s best friend, “stress,” can lead to physical illness, increased body weight, lack of sleep, and mental distress.  As a result, worry and stress are not good for the Christian and need to be rejected the same as sin.  For example, the same way you know how to not be consumed by perversion, choose by God’s grace, to not be consumed with stress and worry.  

Though most of our worries may be based on facts, we at the same time are neglecting to put our faith in God’s truth.  The fact may be that you have little money and big bills- however, the truth of God’s Word says in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”  Therefore, what are you going to put your faith in- God or fear?

It is said that we think on average over 20,000 thoughts per day.  If just 1 out of 10 of them are negative that means we think over 2,000 worry filled thoughts every day!  No wonder why some many people are depressed- God help us!

The answer to worry is clear in God’s word; (1) Place your mind and cares on Him, (2) Pray, (3) Mediate on His Word, (4) Renew your mind, (5) Always be thankful to God, and lastly, (6) Think Holy Ghost inspired thoughts. 

Paul said in Philippians 4:6-8, “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”

Accordingly, Paul said we have a choice regarding we think about.  And if we feel like our negative thoughts are a broken record we can ask the Lord to “renew our minds” and cleanse us from our “ole stinkin’ thinkin’,” Romans 12:2.  Therefore, don’t worry- place your trust in Jesus!  

If you have worries in your life pray this out loud, “Dear Heavenly Father, I repent for not trusting you with my life.  I believe that if you care for the birds in the sky and the lilies of the field- than you deeply care for me.  I choose to trust you and have faith in your promises.  Amen.”

    

Reflection | Are you free from all worry?

Action | (1) Repent if you have allowed worry to consume your mind and take away your faith in God. (2) Pray and mediate on God’s Word daily. (3) Lastly, whenever worry tries to come back speak the Word of God over your life and “let” the peace of God guard your heart and mind!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Jeremiah 16:16-18:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3, Psalm 81:1-16, & Proverbs 25:6-8. Click here to read online.