Matt. 6:25-34

Question:  How are you going to win in the war with worry?  Here are some basic steps to take in order to win this battle.

I. You must perceive through past experience what is creating all the stir or worry within your soul.  You need to be aware of the specific problems that are producing the excessive and needless worry, and deal with it.

Most likely it is one or more of the things mentioned in Matt. 6: 25-34.

#1.  (vs. 25-26)  Food:  A serious problem in many parts of the world.  Logically God says if I take care of the birds, I’ll take care of you.  Psalms 37: 25b  “_  _ _ _ I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread.”  Only an idle soul will suffer hunger. (Prov. 19:15b)  So:  Work! Don’t worry!

#2.  Another worry producer is clothing, garments, raiment.  Matt. 6: 25, 28, 29, 30.
Men (women) are frequently over concerned about the prevailing style of the day;
especially the style of the social elite.  No need to worry about it.  Styles (fads) come and go.  The bible says: (I Cor. 7:31b)  “The fashion of this world passes away.”  Remember, God takes care of fading flowers and you are worth a lot more than a fading flower.

#3.  Worry is also exhibited in our continual frantic efforts to hide our age and extend our life span.  We are fitness freaks!  Matt. 6:27  “Worry can’t lengthen your life.”  It’s ok and admirable to take care of yourself.  You should exercise, eat good, and get proper sleep, but please don’t worry yourself to death in an attempt to prolong your life.

So we have three worry producers thus far: Food/Fashion/Fitness and last of all-------

#4.  The Future:  Matt. 6:34  “Don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Each day’s own evil is sufficient.”  Foresight is ok, but not foreboding.
Don’t reach out into tomorrow to borrow trouble.

The Song: “I know who holds my hand” says it well.

I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day.
And I don’t borrow from the sunshine, cause the skies might turn to grey.

And I don’t worry about the future, cause I know what Jesus said.
And today I’m gonna walk beside Him,
Cause He’s the one who knows what is ahead.

There are things about tomorrow, that I don’t seem to understand,
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.

Amen!  Don’t worry: Be happy in Jesus!

Worry: Don’t forget the Bible says that you have to be converted and become like a little child to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Little children worry a lot less then us big guys. Why not try singing this old kids song and then live it out.

“Why worry when you can pray? Trust Jesus He’ll be your stay (support, prop, crutch). Don’t be a doubting Thomas. Trust fully on His promise. Why worry, worry, worry, when you can pray?”

He’ll be your stay or in Navy lingo, “Steady as she goes!” “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground (any other crutch) is sinking sand.” Nothing else works. “Leaning on Jesus Christ my Saviour, safe and secure from all alarm.” “Standing on the promises I cannot fall.”

There is no need to doubt. Let Christ through His word and spirit sustain and strengthen you mentally and spiritually, moment by moment, step by step, and day by day.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” A right mind equals a right emotional response, which equals a right walk with God, thus living in His good, and acceptable, and perfect will. So stop doubting. “A double-minded man is unstable in everything he does.” So to get stability, start thinking on things above not on this earth.

Remember this: “Worry is not weakness, but wickedness! “Be careful (anxious) for nothing-------- (Philippians 4: 6) Worry is simply divided thinking, (negative meditation) that causes you to be distracted from God’s power and blessings.

Remember these helpful quotes from Corrie Ten Boom: #1 “Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrows, it empties today of strength.” #2 “No panic in heaven, just plans.”

Helpful scripture re worry: Matthew 6:25-34

Tempted to worry? Join the club. It is part of today’s culture. But remember, when you do, you’re thinking like the world. You have become a slave to fear and apprehension, and “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Do not give place to the devil! Do not look at the problem! Look at God. He will direct your path.