Inflated Sense of Responsibility: “If bad things happen, it is my fault.” Intolerance for Uncertainty: “If I think of this enough, I should feel the sense of certainty.” Perfectionism: “Mistakes mean I wasn’t in control...” Pessimism: “Bad things will happen to me, and I won’t be able to deal with it.” Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland
Misconstrued Virtue: “Worry shows how deeply I care about my children.” Magical Beliefs: “Worry keeps bad things from happening. It keeps loved ones safer.” Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland
Faith’s Antidote For Worry Matthew 6:25-34 Worry and Religious Faith: “ Faith and prayers may dampen worry... Leave you worrying about your faith... Meditative instead of supplicatory prayers... Do not make your worries the litmus test of your faith”
Faith’s Antidote for Worry Establish the “Essentials”: Food, Drink and Clothing (Matthew 6:25,33, I Tim. 6:8) Focus with proper “Emphasis” : Is not life, body MORE than food and clothing? (Matthew 6:25) God Feeds the Birds! – You are of more value! (Matthew 6:26) God clothes the Flowers, grasses – You are more important !(Matthew 6:28-20)
Faith’s Antidote for Worry What does Worry add – another year of life or an inch to height? (Matthew 6:27) Why borrow tomorrow’s problems –not enough for today? (Matthew 6:34)
Faith’s Antidote for Worry God KNOWS your needs (Matthew 6:31- 32) God will PROVIDE your needs “these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33) –Seek God’s Kingdom – His Spiritual Rule (Rom. 14:17) –Seek God’s Kingdom First – Above Mine – (Cor. 8:5, 9:8-10) –Seek God’s Righteousness – His Standard (Eph. 4:28, Psm. 37:25)