A Remedy for Worrying

Sunday’s sermon cut to the heart of the current atmosphere we are encountering.  Pastor spoke of his own struggles with worry.  He spoke of other’s struggles with worry.  And then he provided a remedy that is found in God’s word.

The sermon was pulled from Matthew 6:25-34.  In these scriptures, Jesus himself tells us multiple times “do not worry.”  Jesus speaks of the birds in the air.  The birds don’t fly around wondering where their next meal comes from, and they don’t plant food or store it in barns.  They just fly and look for the next meal.  They know it’s somewhere out there.

Jesus then speaks of the lilies in the field.  I don’t know about you, but I love flowers.  I’m partial to hydrangeas.  Flowers come in beautiful colors.  They are a joy to look at.  Sometimes, they even smell delightful.  Jesus reminds those listening to Him that the flowers don’t clothe themselves in their beauty.  The flowers don’t feed themselves or clock in to a nine to five, and they’re still flourishing.  God provides for them.

Then Jesus comes with the one-two punch.  If God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers, don’t you think that God will provide for you?  After all, God knows that we need food, clothing and shelter.  He’s a good, good Father.  And good Father’s take care of and provide for their children.

The sermon was on time for me!!!  On Friday, my job announced that we would be closing our doors for two weeks.  I was dreading this announcement.  I have been very open and shared with you that my finances have been pulled tight because of my ineffectual stewardship.  My next check was going to be the first check that I was fully out of the hole on onto the right path.  And then Friday happened.

Do you want to know something strange?  When the announcement came, I had peace.  I instantly thought about finishing the things that God has been pulling me to do, but I’ve been too “busy.”  Of course, I thought of my financial situation, but a teacher shared her testimony with me which was further confirmation that God would provide.

What is the remedy for worry?  Worship.  The Bible doesn’t explicitly state that worship is the remedy, but it does say that we need to seek first the kingdom of God.  Then everything that we’ve been worrying about will be added to us.  Seeking God’s kingdom requires the right attitude in troubling times.  Seeking God’s kingdom requires us to move into the right actions.

My current attitude is one of thankfulness.  My actions are to finish the book God placed in my heart.  I know it has kingdom purpose.  He was waiting for me to get in line.  What attitude and actions are you going to take to worship God?  We COULD sit and rock ourselves and moan.  Or we could be about the Father’s business.  And then everything else will fall in line.  #wepreach