Philippians 4:6-7

Matthew 26:26-29 NKJV [26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." [27] Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. [28] For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [29] But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV [1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: [2] On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

Dealing with Discouragement

The Problems We Face Many of the problems we face today are not new. Many have been around throughout history. Yet, because man’s nature has not changed, the Bible deals with many of these problems. And, they can be overcome

The Problems We Face Dealing with them is not easy to do. It is easy to stand up and preach what we need to do, but anyone who has struggled with problems knows it is not easy! But, if we are willing to follow God’s pattern, we can overcome whatever problems we face

A REAL PROBLEM TODAY: WORRY

What Is Worry? Origin – to choke or strangle “To give way to anxiety or unease; allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles” worry, “A sense of uneasiness and anxiety about the future.”

The Problem With Worry Physically – stress, high blood pressure, ulcers, headaches, sleep loss, even heart problems Emotionally – depression, hopelessness, doubt, low self-worth. It can rob you of joy, peace, and happiness.

The Problem With Worry Relationships – Sullen moods and constant fretting unpleasant to be around. Spiritually – worry can be sinful! When we become overly concerned, consumed with something, failure to deal with your problems, etc.

The Bible and Worry Concern and apprehension are not wrong – Jesus in the garden – Luke 22:44 Paul and his concern for brethren – 2 Corinthians 11:28, 2:12-13 (even sleeplessness); 1 Thessalonians 3:5-7

The Bible and Worry Worry – μεριμνάω (merimnaō) – used 5 times in Matthew 6:24-34 1 Corinthians 7:32-33 “cares” for one’s wife,… 1 Corinthians 12:25 – in the body we have “the same care for you” Philippians 2:20 – Timothy sent who sincerely cared for their state

The Bible and Worry Sinful Worry is when we reach that state where the thing begins to consume us, and affect the way we behave and think. It can affect how we pray – James 1:5-7. Is our worry a lack of faith? James 1:5-7 NKJV [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. [6] But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. [7] For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

The Bible and Worry Worry can waste our time Only about 8-10% of what we worry about are genuine concerns Most worry about 1) What will likely not happen 2) What has already happened 3) Something yet in the future 4) What we cannot control Ephesians 5:16 Ephesians 5:16 NKJV [16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

The Bible and Worry Proverbs 12:25, Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. Psalm 94:19, In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

The Bible and Worry Matthew 13:22, the thorny soil is choked by “the cares of this world” Luke 10:41, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things Philippians 4:6-7, Be anxious for nothing…

The Bible and Worry Matthew 6:24-34, Jesus taught us not to worry! Vs. 24, You cannot serve 2 masters. This is where the trouble of worry often begins Vs. 25, we are commanded not to worry, especially about your life – food and clothing! (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Don’t obsess about these! 2 Thessalonians 3:10 NKJV [10] For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

The Bible and Worry Matthew 6:24-34, Vs. 26, God takes care of birds. You are of more value than birds! Vs. 27, Why worry about what you cannot change? Vs. 28-30, God takes care of flowers and gives them splendor. He can clothe you as well.

The Bible and Worry Matthew 6:24-34, Vs. 30, O you of little faith. HERE is the problem with worry. It shows a lack of trust in God. Typically, we worry because our faith is weak! We trust more in ourselves than in Him!

The Bible and Worry Matthew 6:24-34, Vs. 31-32, God knows what you need. So don’t act like the world (that lacks faith in Him) Vs. 33, instead, seek FIRST God’s kingdom. “And all these things shall be added to you”

The Bible and Worry Matthew 6:24-34, Vs. 34, don’t worry about tomorrow – you have enough to do and concern you today!

What am I doing to deal with it? Dealing With Worry What am I doing to deal with it? 2 Corinthians 13:5. I need to honestly examine where I am and WHY I am worrying. Is it valid? Is it the 8% or the 92%? Make up your mind! Ephesians 4:22-24, renewed in the spirit of your mind

Dealing With Worry Change your behavior If what you are worrying about is something you can control, do it! How often is our worry related to sinful behavior, lack of self-control, and poor decisions? If you are worrying about where you stand before God, chances are you need to change your behavior!

Accept who you are. Dealing With Worry (NOT sinful conduct), but whatever it is that you cannot change! (e.g. your height! Accept your limitations (honestly – don’t artificially create them). Don’t fret over what is not going to change!

Learn to trust God He is in control. Dealing With Worry 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 14:31, “why did you doubt?”

Make Him your priority. Dealing With Worry Matthew 6:33, seek His kingdom first. Doing so will keep you focused on what is really important! 1 Corinthians 15:10 Matthew 6:24 – if you seek to serve two masters, you will constantly be worried about both of them!

Deal with today Dealing With Worry Matthew 6:34, There is enough going on right now. Focus on what you can control right now. OFTEN, when we are dealing with a seemingly insurmountable problem, if we take it one step at a time, we will eventually overcome it. Do what you can today, and let it go!

Pray about it Dealing With Worry Philippians 4:6-7, Prayer is needed in everything we deal with Prayer is always key to addressing whatever problems we have.

Do you trust Him? (then don’t worry about it!) Worry is something you CAN deal with! Keep pressing forward and NEVER give up! Do you trust Him? (then don’t worry about it!)