Lord Over Our Anxieties

Wouldn’t it be great if we could rid our lives of worry? It’s tough not to worry about our children and grandchildren, financial or job pressures and health concerns, among other things. But Jesus reminds us in this Scripture passage that he will take care of us—we do not need to worry. As Christians, we are to be characterized by faith, not fear. Let’s look at how we can help make Jesus Christ the Lord of our anxieties and live lives free of worry.

I. Understand that worry is a

Reveal Answer

that can be

Reveal Answer

.

A. It’s important that we distinguish between

and legitimate

Reveal Answer

.

B. Jesus commanded us not to worry for good reason.

1. Worry wastes

   Reveal Answer
   and
   Reveal Answer
   . (Lk. 12:25)

2. Worry impairs our

   Reveal Answer
   .

3. Worry erodes our

   Reveal Answer
   .

4. Worry harms our

   Reveal Answer
   . (Lk. 12:11-12)

5. Worry often distorts our

   Reveal Answer
   and results in
   Reveal Answer
   behavior.

6. Worry

   Reveal Answer
   God. (Lk. 12:28)

C. Worry

be overcome. (Phil. 4:6-7)

II. Develop a realistic trust in the providence of God.

A. God is so good that he provides the

needs for the

Reveal Answer

of his creation.(Lk. 12:24-28)

B. Let’s be realistic in our trust – God’s providence does not mean

from difficulty.

III. Keep your daily focus on the

Reveal Answer

, not the

Reveal Answer

.

A. The reason we worry is that we have our

on this world

Reveal Answer

.

B. If your primary focus is the

of God, everything takes on a different perspective.

C. How can we develop a spiritual focus?

1. Become a

   Reveal Answer
   .

2. Worship him

   Reveal Answer
   .

3. Review God’s

   Reveal Answer
   . (Ps. 3:5-6; 46:1-2; 91:1-2)

4. Lay up treasure in

   Reveal Answer
   . (Lk. 12:33-34)

5. Learn the art of living

   Reveal Answer
   day at a time. (Mt. 6:34; Ps. 118:24)