Bro. Allan Tigue
Oct. 21, 2009
 
     Worries are like garbage; we need to discard of them. They eat us, they make us paranoid. What causes worries? Terrorism, hold-ups, robbery, kidnapping. War. Financial issues. Health issues. Environmental worries. Lack of work.

     What are the results of worrying? Worry affects us physically. Worry affects us psychologically. Worry affects us spiritually.

     It pulls us away from the Lord, we lose trust in Him. We can't serve two masters (Mt. 6:24). What is motivating you? We have many small other gods: desires, dreams, our spouses, our children, etc.

     Mt. 6:25: "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing?"

     Let us not worry. God can provide everything.

     Worry reveals that you have a defective understanding of God. Worry reveals that you do not fully trust God's promises. Worry reveals that you are mastered by your circumstances.
 
What is the cure?

     1. Look at life from God's Perspective

         Phil. 1:12-13: "But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ."

         Rom. 8:28: "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose."

     2. Live life with God's Priorities

         Phil. 4:11-13: "I have learned to be content with whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

     3. Seek God's Power to live on

         Phil. 1:19: "I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ."

     4. Live a life of God's Hope

         Heb. 11:1: "Now faith is the subtance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

     5. Find God's Purpose for your life

        Phil. 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

        Let go and let God.

The Power of Three Days

     The disciples faced the darkest day of their lives as they watched their friend, their teacher, their Savior be crucified.

     Yet, as they stuck together and prayed, just three days later their lives would change forever.

     If you and I can just learn from them.

     If we can just learn that in a dark desperate situation, we need to look to God, hang in there for three days and see what God will do.