Finding True Peace: Trusting God's Provision and Protection
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, children, and moms-to-be. Today, we continue our series on "Blueprints" by focusing on building our lives the way God intends, particularly as citizens of His kingdom. Our primary focus is on worry, a universal issue that affects everyone regardless of their role in life. We began by defining worry as anxiety or unease, a state of mind that dwells on difficulties or troubles. The world offers many temporary solutions to ease worry, such as candles, essential oils, and self-help books, but these are all counterfeits. True peace comes only from God.
We delved into Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus instructs us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat, drink, or wear. He reminds us that life is more than food and the body more than clothing. God provides for the birds and the lilies, and He will certainly provide for us, His children. Worrying does not add a single hour to our lives; instead, it weighs us down and keeps us from fulfilling God's purpose.
We discussed how much time and resources we waste on worrying and how it keeps us from experiencing the freedom God wants for us. God values us immensely, having handcrafted each of us uniquely. He is our Jehovah Jireh, our provider, who steps in where we fall short. His provision is not limited like human insurance plans; it is complete and covers all our needs—physical, mental, and emotional.
Psalm 91 was referenced to emphasize God's protection. When we dwell in His presence, we are under His wings, protected from all harm. This protection extends to every area of our lives, seen and unseen. We are called to trust God fully, surrendering our worries to Him. This trust pleases God and allows us to live in the freedom and peace He offers.
Finally, we were reminded that everything in the kingdom of God starts with repentance. We must acknowledge our attempts to control our lives and surrender them to God. By doing so, we can walk in the fullness and satisfaction that only He can provide. For those who have not yet accepted Jesus, today is the day to become a child of God and experience this peace and freedom.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Peace Comes from God: The world offers many temporary solutions to ease worry, but true peace comes only from God. These worldly solutions are counterfeits and do not provide lasting peace. As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to rest in His peace, which surpasses all understanding. [45:36]
2. God's Provision is Complete: God is our Jehovah Jireh, our provider. Unlike human insurance plans that have limitations, God's provision is complete and covers all our needs—physical, mental, and emotional. Where we fall short, He steps in and provides abundantly. [55:20]
3. Value and Uniqueness: Each of us is handcrafted by God, uniquely made to bring Him joy. We have immense value in His eyes, much more than the birds and lilies He provides for. Recognizing our value helps us trust in God's provision and protection. [54:14]
4. Protection Under God's Wings: Psalm 91 emphasizes that when we dwell in God's presence, we are under His wings, protected from all harm. This protection extends to every area of our lives, seen and unseen. Trusting in God's protection allows us to live without fear and worry. [59:19]
5. Repentance and Surrender: Everything in the kingdom of God starts with repentance. We must acknowledge our attempts to control our lives and surrender them to God. By doing so, we can walk in the fullness and satisfaction that only He can provide. This act of surrender pleases God and allows us to experience His peace. [01:16:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:37] - Introduction to Worry
[44:09] - Defining Worry
[44:59] - Counterfeit Solutions
[45:36] - True Peace from God
[46:30] - Matthew 6:25-34 Reading
[47:09] - God's Provision for Basic Needs
[49:32] - Surrendering Worry
[50:07] - The Cost of Worry
[51:30] - Value and Uniqueness
[52:05] - God's Handcrafted Creation
[55:20] - Jehovah Jireh: Our Provider
[59:19] - Protection Under God's Wings
[01:04:47] - Trusting God's Plan
[01:16:02] - Repentance and Surrender
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:25-34
- Psalm 91:1-4
### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:25-34, what are the specific things Jesus tells us not to worry about? ([47:09])
2. How does Jesus use the examples of birds and lilies to illustrate God's provision? ([47:09])
3. What does Psalm 91:1-4 say about the protection we receive when we dwell in God's presence? ([59:19])
4. In the sermon, what are some of the counterfeit solutions to worry mentioned? ([44:59])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that life is more than food and the body more than clothing in Matthew 6:25-34? ([47:09])
2. How does recognizing our value and uniqueness, as described in the sermon, help us trust in God's provision? ([52:05])
3. What does it mean to dwell in the "secret place of the Most High" as described in Psalm 91, and how does this relate to living without worry? ([59:19])
4. How does the act of repentance and surrender, as discussed in the sermon, lead to experiencing God's peace? ([01:16:02])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time when you were overwhelmed with worry. How did you try to manage it, and how might you handle it differently by trusting in God's provision? ([50:07])
2. The sermon mentioned that God's provision is complete and covers all our needs—physical, mental, and emotional. Can you identify an area in your life where you need to trust God more fully for provision? ([55:20])
3. Psalm 91 talks about dwelling in God's presence for protection. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are dwelling in God's presence daily? ([59:19])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing our value and uniqueness. How can you remind yourself of your worth in God's eyes during times of self-doubt? ([52:05])
5. Repentance and surrender are key themes in the sermon. Is there an area of your life where you need to repent and surrender control to God? How will you take the first step this week? ([01:16:02])
6. The sermon mentioned that worry can keep us from fulfilling God's purpose. What is one specific worry that is holding you back, and how can you release it to God? ([50:07])
7. How can you incorporate the practice of seeking God's kingdom first in your daily routine, as instructed in Matthew 6:33? ([47:09])
Devotional
Day 1: True Peace from God
True peace is found only in God, not in worldly solutions. The world offers many temporary fixes to ease worry, such as candles, essential oils, and self-help books, but these are all counterfeits. True peace comes only from God. As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to rest in His peace, which surpasses all understanding. This peace is not just a fleeting feeling but a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness.
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus instructs us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat, drink, or wear. He reminds us that life is more than food and the body more than clothing. God provides for the birds and the lilies, and He will certainly provide for us, His children. Worrying does not add a single hour to our lives; instead, it weighs us down and keeps us from fulfilling God's purpose. By surrendering our worries to God, we can experience the true peace that only He can provide. [45:36]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What are some of the temporary solutions you have turned to in an attempt to find peace? How can you begin to shift your focus to trusting in God's peace today?
Day 2: God's Provision is Complete
God's provision is complete and covers all our needs—physical, mental, and emotional. Unlike human insurance plans that have limitations, God's provision is abundant and limitless. He is our Jehovah Jireh, our provider, who steps in where we fall short. This means that we do not have to rely on our own strength or resources to meet our needs; God is more than capable of providing for us in every area of our lives.
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus emphasizes that God provides for the birds and the lilies, and He will certainly provide for us, His children. Worrying about our needs does not add a single hour to our lives; instead, it distracts us from trusting in God's provision. By recognizing that God is our provider, we can rest in the assurance that He will take care of us, no matter what challenges we face. [55:20]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's provision? How can you begin to rely more on His abundant provision today?
Day 3: Value and Uniqueness
Each of us is handcrafted by God, uniquely made to bring Him joy. We have immense value in His eyes, much more than the birds and lilies He provides for. Recognizing our value helps us trust in God's provision and protection. When we understand how much God values us, we can rest in the assurance that He will take care of us and meet our needs.
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus reminds us that life is more than food and the body more than clothing. God provides for the birds and the lilies, and He will certainly provide for us, His children. By recognizing our value and uniqueness, we can trust in God's provision and protection, knowing that He cares deeply for us and will take care of us in every area of our lives. [54:14]
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
Reflection: How does recognizing your value and uniqueness in God's eyes change the way you view your worries and anxieties? How can you begin to trust more in His care for you today?
Day 4: Protection Under God's Wings
When we dwell in God's presence, we are under His wings, protected from all harm. This protection extends to every area of our lives, seen and unseen. Trusting in God's protection allows us to live without fear and worry, knowing that He is watching over us and keeping us safe.
Psalm 91 emphasizes that when we dwell in God's presence, we are under His wings, protected from all harm. This protection is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual. By trusting in God's protection, we can live in the freedom and peace that He offers, knowing that He is always with us and will never leave us or forsake us. [59:19]
Psalm 121:7-8 (ESV): "The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's protection? How can you begin to dwell more in His presence and trust in His protection today?
Day 5: Repentance and Surrender
Everything in the kingdom of God starts with repentance. We must acknowledge our attempts to control our lives and surrender them to God. By doing so, we can walk in the fullness and satisfaction that only He can provide. This act of surrender pleases God and allows us to experience His peace.
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus instructs us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat, drink, or wear. He reminds us that life is more than food and the body more than clothing. By acknowledging our attempts to control our lives and surrendering them to God, we can experience the true peace and freedom that only He can provide. This act of repentance and surrender is the first step in walking in the fullness of God's kingdom. [01:16:02]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What areas of your life are you still trying to control? How can you begin to surrender these areas to God and experience His peace and freedom today?
Quotes
1. "Being a kingdom citizen is being able to be in the same place, place of not worrying about tomorrow. Not worrying that what you do today is going to have a ripple effect tomorrow. That a decision you make, what if I make the wrong one? What if, what if, what if? And in that state, you can't function very well. Today we want to release that to the Lord and walk in the true freedom that he wants us to encounter. The freedom of not carrying that heaviness and that burden of worry. Because that weighs you down and you cannot move and do what God wants you to do." [49:32] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You have value. And in that, you have the opportunity to step into that place of freedom because you are worth it for your heavenly Father. He created you. Handcrafted. I look upon this room. I know those watching online. We are all completely different and that is beautiful. Such a beautiful bouquet of God's creativity. And there's something special about handmade things." [52:05] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You were handmade specifically, crafted by God. You were made to bring him joy, to bring a smile to his face. Just the way that you are. With all those little details. You're so different from the person to your right to your left. Even if you're a twin. Completely different, probably. Because you were uniquely made. Handcrafted by God. So you do have value. Much more value than that beautiful bird that may have the most exquisite colors. Okay. That bird cannot accept Jesus Christ and hold the Holy Spirit and be used by God to transform this world. But you can. So there are promises in store just for you." [54:14] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your God is your provider. Above everything. There is nothing your Jehovah Jireh cannot have for you. Where you fall short, that's where he steps in. Anybody have like GAP insurance? So I had GAP insurance a few years ago. And they sold it like, this is awesome. Like whatever your insurance doesn't cover, you turn in that card and done. Yeah, it doesn't work like that. Because the fine print says only up to like a certain percentage will they cover that. After that, you're on your own. Well that's not God's GAP insurance. His plan for us. His provision for us. Where we stop. Where we know that our abilities come up to here. That's where he steps in. And he provides not only physically what we need. He provides mentally, what we need. He provides emotionally, what we need. He provides it all. Because it is who he is. He is our Jehovah Jireh." [55:20] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The worrying about today, worrying about tomorrow, it is a lie of the enemy to keep us entertained. And to keep us from accessing what God really has for us. Which is to live in that freedom. To be able, not only to be effective, but be able to enjoy the things around. I'm going to talk to the moms out there right now. How many of you today, it's pretty stressful? Because you're trying to balance everything. And I have to be here a little bit. And I have to be there a little bit. And it's always something else. But today God is saying, stop and let me take care of it all. Soak in my peace, the true peace, that surpasses all understanding." [56:09] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Which of you, by worrying, can add one cubit to his stature? Okay, that word stature in the original doesn't mean how tall you are. Did you know that? I thought it was. But when I was studying, it does not. It is your length of days. How many years you have. So God is saying, don't worry about that. You follow what I want you to do. You obey me. You are a kingdom citizen. I have every single one of your days counted. So that report, that may seem super negative, that there's no solution to it, but God. Because nothing is impossible for God." [57:10] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So those worries, you surrender the worry today. The worry tomorrow, for how many years you're going to live. So many right now is stressed out of what tomorrow is going to be. Next month, are you going to be around or not? Your heavenly father is the one in charge of that. Day in and day out. He's your provider. But he is your protector. Because I can recognize all the threats out there. And I can literally worry about it. And that's not going to cause a threat not to come. That's not going to cause things to be different. But when my heavenly father steps in, that's protection." [58:08] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The way to live worry free and in the peace of God is doing what verse 33 says seeking and that seek is a searching after that seeking there is going towards to attain it it is striving towards something it's a continual thing as we continue to pursue the lord we continue to pursue his righteousness as we talked about last week that's where that peace comes in all of that it's going to be added again you were handcrafted by god he knows exactly what you need when you need it we can trust him and it's if we focus on what the world is putting in front of us oh it's going to skew all of that it's going to skew what we need it's going to skew timing it's going to skew it all but when we put our eyes and we focus on god and his design for us and searching after lord what how else can i please you you created me to please you how else can my life honor you in there you find your peace in there you find your fullness" [01:11:08] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Today is the call to surrender that worry to surrender our wanting to be in control to surrender ourselves and let's give it to him that is the best place to have it verse 34 in case we didn't get it one more time therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow worry about its own things sufficient for the day its own things are yet to come at the time of all that disquieting now the Lord rest your soul let your heart be filled with the blessing of the hope you have a lovely day and may it be with you and may you have a wonderful day and a beautiful day and get into his presence and you get into the life of the holy spirit that is all that i want to to you is that you are all a part of the sovereign kingdom" [01:12:47] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Everything we talked about today is for the kingdom citizen you first have to be a child of God again beautiful creations right here beautiful creations but to be a child of God is recognizing I need a Savior because I monitor myself I can't go an hour without being a disaster between my thoughts and my this and I need God and he's chosen to have a way for me to have access to him it's through Jesus he sent his son Jesus to pay the price for us upon that cross for us to be able to say Jesus come and live inside of me and you be made a child of God" [01:17:47] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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