Overcoming Worry: Trusting God's Provision and Promises
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Highlands Fellowship! Today, we delve into the topic of worry, as addressed by Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34. Jesus commands us not to worry about our lives, emphasizing that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide for us. Worry is not our friend; it is a tool used by the evil one to destroy our faith. Worry is essentially a lack of faith in God's promises and power.
Jesus teaches us that life is more than food and the body more than clothes. He points to the birds and flowers, which are cared for by God, to illustrate that we are even more valuable and should trust in His provision. Worrying cannot add a single hour to our lives; instead, it detracts from our faith and well-being.
To combat worry, we must first recognize it as a sin and a lack of faith. We need to replace worry with trust in God's promises and power. Scripture tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
We can break free from worry by doing what God asks us to do, giving God what we cannot do, and trusting Him no matter what happens. This involves taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ, thinking about things that are pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, and acting wisely in our daily lives.
Ultimately, we must trust God with our entire lives, knowing that He is faithful and capable of handling all our concerns. By doing so, we can experience the peace that surpasses all understanding and live a life free from the bondage of worry.
### Key Takeaways
1. Worry is a Lack of Faith: Worrying is essentially a lack of faith in God's promises and power. It is a sin that detracts from our trust in God and His ability to provide for us. Recognizing worry as a sin is the first step towards overcoming it. [05:06]
2. God's Provision is Assured: Jesus teaches us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide for us, just as He does for the birds and flowers. Trusting in God's provision allows us to live without the burden of worry. [08:07]
3. Take Every Thought Captive: To combat worry, we must take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. This involves focusing on things that are pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, and rejecting thoughts based on fear. [12:21]
4. Act Wisely: God calls us to act wisely in our daily lives. This means taking practical steps to address our concerns, such as seeking employment, improving relationships, and managing finances, while trusting God with the outcomes. [18:00]
5. Trust God No Matter What: We must trust God no matter what happens, whether He answers our prayers in the way we expect or not. Trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness allows us to live with peace and confidence, free from worry. [24:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:11] - Introduction to Worry
[03:42] - Worry as a False Friend
[05:06] - Recognizing Worry as Sin
[06:30] - God's Spirit vs. Spirit of Fear
[08:07] - Jesus' Command: Do Not Worry
[09:27] - Three Key Statements
[10:55] - I Will Do What God Asks Me to Do
[12:21] - Taking Every Thought Captive
[15:10] - Retraining Our Minds
[18:00] - Acting Wisely
[19:29] - Giving God What We Can't Do
[20:53] - Trusting God with the Impossible
[22:32] - Trusting God No Matter What
[24:03] - God's Faithfulness in Our Lives
[27:03] - Final Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:25-34
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- Philippians 4:6-7
### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:25-34, what examples does Jesus use to illustrate why we should not worry? ([02:11])
2. What does 2 Timothy 1:7 say about the spirit God has given us? ([06:30])
3. In Philippians 4:6-7, what are we instructed to do instead of being anxious? ([19:29])
4. How does the pastor describe the relationship between worry and faith? ([05:06])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that life is more than food and the body more than clothes in Matthew 6:25-34? How does this perspective help combat worry? ([02:11])
2. How can recognizing worry as a sin change our approach to dealing with it? ([05:06])
3. What practical steps can we take to "take every thought captive" as mentioned in the sermon? ([12:21])
4. How does trusting God with what we cannot do, as described in Philippians 4:6-7, lead to peace? ([19:29])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself worrying. How could you have applied Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 to that situation? ([02:11])
2. The pastor mentioned that worry is essentially a lack of faith in God's promises and power. How can you strengthen your faith to combat worry in your daily life? ([05:06])
3. What are some specific "right thoughts" you can focus on to replace worry, as suggested in the sermon? ([12:21])
4. Identify a practical step you can take this week to act wisely in an area of your life where you have been worried. ([18:00])
5. Think of a situation that is beyond your control. How can you practice giving this situation to God and trusting Him with the outcome? ([19:29])
6. The pastor shared his personal struggle with worry and how he has learned to trust God more. How can you apply his approach to your own life? ([24:03])
7. What is one specific way you can remind yourself daily to trust God no matter what happens? ([24:03])
Devotional
Day 1: Worry as a Lack of Faith
Worrying is essentially a lack of faith in God's promises and power. It is a sin that detracts from our trust in God and His ability to provide for us. Recognizing worry as a sin is the first step towards overcoming it. When we worry, we are essentially saying that we do not believe God is capable of handling our concerns or that He does not care enough to intervene. This mindset not only diminishes our faith but also opens the door for further anxiety and fear.
To combat worry, we must first acknowledge it as a sin and a lack of faith. This involves a conscious decision to trust in God's promises and His power. Scripture tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). By focusing on these truths, we can begin to replace our worry with trust in God's unfailing love and provision. [05:06]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What specific worries are you holding onto today? Can you confess these to God and ask Him to help you trust in His promises and power?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Provision
Jesus teaches us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide for us, just as He does for the birds and flowers. Trusting in God's provision allows us to live without the burden of worry. When we look at nature, we see that God takes care of even the smallest creatures, ensuring they have what they need to survive. How much more, then, will He care for us, His beloved children?
By trusting in God's provision, we can let go of the anxiety that comes from trying to control every aspect of our lives. This trust is not passive but active, involving a daily decision to rely on God's faithfulness. Jesus' command to not worry is a call to shift our focus from our problems to God's promises. When we do this, we can experience the peace that comes from knowing that our needs are in the hands of a loving and capable Father. [08:07]
Matthew 6:31-32 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's provision? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?
Day 3: Taking Every Thought Captive
To combat worry, we must take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. This involves focusing on things that are pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, and rejecting thoughts based on fear. Our minds are powerful, and the thoughts we entertain can either build our faith or fuel our anxiety. By intentionally directing our thoughts towards God's truth, we can break the cycle of worry.
Taking every thought captive means being vigilant about what we allow to occupy our minds. It requires us to filter our thoughts through the lens of Scripture and to reject anything that contradicts God's promises. This practice helps us to develop a mindset that is rooted in faith rather than fear, enabling us to experience the peace that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty. [12:21]
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV): "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What negative or fearful thoughts do you need to take captive today? How can you replace them with thoughts that are aligned with God's truth?
Day 4: Acting Wisely
God calls us to act wisely in our daily lives. This means taking practical steps to address our concerns, such as seeking employment, improving relationships, and managing finances, while trusting God with the outcomes. Wisdom involves making decisions that are informed by God's Word and guided by His Spirit. It is not about being passive but about actively participating in God's plan for our lives.
Acting wisely requires us to balance our trust in God with responsible action. It means doing what we can with the resources and opportunities God has given us, while leaving the results in His hands. This approach allows us to live with confidence and peace, knowing that we are doing our part and trusting God to do His. [18:00]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to address a specific concern in your life? How can you balance these actions with trust in God's sovereignty?
Day 5: Trusting God No Matter What
We must trust God no matter what happens, whether He answers our prayers in the way we expect or not. Trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness allows us to live with peace and confidence, free from worry. Life is unpredictable, and there will be times when things do not go as planned. In these moments, our faith is tested, and we are called to trust in God's greater plan.
Trusting God no matter what means believing that He is in control and that His plans for us are good, even when we cannot see the bigger picture. It involves surrendering our desires and expectations to Him and resting in the assurance that He is working all things for our good. This trust enables us to face life's uncertainties with a sense of peace and hope, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving and faithful God. [24:03]
Romans 8:28 (ESV): "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Reflection: How can you practice trusting God with the uncertainties in your life today? What steps can you take to surrender your expectations to Him and rest in His sovereignty?
Quotes
1. "You might ask, you know, what do I worry about? Well, unfortunately, the answer is, too many things. You worry about too many things. I don't know if this has ever happened to you or not, but have you ever known someone who you thought was a friend? Like you thought they were a good friend later on to find out that they weren't really a friend at all. And they may have actually been more of an enemy than a friend to you. Well, that's also true when we think about worry. Like a lot of people think that worry is their friend. Like they really think worry is a friend. They don't say it, but they live like it. They don't say it, but they live like it. Like this. We worry. We hold on to things so much. We hold on to our worry." [03:42] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We will never be set free from being a captive of worry until we recognize that worry is not our friend. Worry is not our friend. It's actually one of our worst enemies. It's one of the tools that Satan uses, the evil one uses. And he is trying to destroy our faith and to teach us and to train us to actually worry. That's what he wants us to do. So here's what scripture says in the last part of Romans chapter 14, verse 23, the last part of that verse, it says this, and everything that does not come from faith, what is it? Everything that does not come from faith is sin, sin. And in so many ways, worry is the opposite of faith. If anything, it's not faith in God. It may be faith in the evil one. It's saying, I believe in the worst possible case scenario. It's faith in the bad things rather than faith in God." [05:06] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The sin of worry is a lack of faith in God's promises and his power. That's what it is. It is a sin. And we don't have to worry about it. We don't have to worry about it. We don't have to worry about it. We must acknowledge it. And what is the sin? Well, the sin of worry is a lack of faith in God's promises and his power. And it did not come from God. In fact, here's what scripture says in 2 Timothy chapter 1, verse 7. Scripture says this, for God has not given us a spirit of fear or anxiety or tension or worry, but what has God given us? Well, he's given us a spirit of what? Of power and of love and of a sound mind. The spirit of fear, it doesn't come from God. It's actually from the evil one. And so many of us are gripped by it and we don't know what to do with it." [06:30] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus said, do not worry about your life. More like a command. And when he said, do not worry about your life, he means your whole life. Like in total, it means your mental state and your physical body and your emotional life. Your spiritual life. It means your life in the past. It means your life today. It means your life on into the future. And he says, don't worry about your life. In other words, he's saying, don't worry about anything. Don't worry about it. And he goes on to say, basically, because your heavenly father, he loves you and he's got your back. That's what Jesus is saying, that God has got you covered." [08:07] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I will do what God asks me to do. Just repeat after me. I will do, all right, everybody say this together. I will do what God asks me to do. All right, let's do it one more time. I will do what God asks me to do. You see, the problem is there are a lot of people that are Christians, and in my opinion, they kind of over-spiritualize everything. Like, I will do what God asks me to do. I will do what God asks me to do. I will do what God asks me to do. I will do what God asks me to do. I will do what God asks me to do. You know, sometimes people will be unemployed. Some of you will be like, hey, dude, you know, are you looking for a job? Nope. Well, do you have your resume made out? Nope. Are you networking? Nope. Well, what are you doing? Well, I'm just waiting on God to bring me a job. You know, people do that all the time." [09:27] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We have to retrain our minds not to run down the road of worry, because honestly, that's what our minds are already trained to do, and it's not working. It's not working. Always thinking of the worst case scenarios. We're going to have to do what God asks us to do. Now, honestly, this is not this may take some time, all right? It may take some time to retrain our mind. It will take some time, okay? And I'll give you an example. Maybe in high school, you studied Spanish, okay? And maybe you studied it for four years, and so you can say some words, and you can speak it fairly well. So let's say there was a foreign exchange student from a Spanish-speaking country who comes to your school, and you are the person who actually gets to try to welcome them, because, you know, you had four years of Spanish, and your teacher asks you if you would be willing to talk to them, and so you say, sí, sí, and you start talking, and it's very difficult, because you've never really carried on a conversation with somebody who was fluent." [15:10] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Can you heal someone of cancer? Can you do that? No, you can't. Can God do that? Yes. So that's something that we have to give to God. We don't worry about it because we really can't do anything about it. We give it to God. What can we do, though? Well, we can go to the doctor. We can get good advice and ultimately determine a treatment plan. But ultimately, we have to trust God to do what only he can do. All right. Here's another question. Can you protect your kids from all danger? No. No. Can God give his angels charge over your kids? Yes, he can. So we give that over to God. Another question. Can you change your spouse? Now, I see you hesitating on that one. Okay. I saw that. You hesitated. All right. Some of you think you can, but you cannot. And so no elbowing going on right now. No elbows being thrown. But let me ask you again. Can you change your spouse? No. Can God change your spouse? Yes. And here's the thing. God can change you too. So we give it to God." [22:32] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I will do what God asked me to do. And I'm going to give him the things that I cannot do. And here's the third thing. I'm going to trust God no matter what happens. I'm going to trust God no matter what happens. No matter what. No matter if God does what I want him to do. No matter if he does something else. No matter what happens, I will trust God. And here's what scripture says. The words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapter six, verse 33 and 34. He says this, but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. This is what Jesus said. He said, therefore, do not worry about what? He said, do not worry about tomorrow. Why? For tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Do not worry about tomorrow. Like when you trust God, you realize that he's already there. Like he's already in tomorrow. Time is not an issue for him. He's already there. He's already there. No matter what happens, I'm going to trust God." [24:03] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I have walked with him in enough yesterdays that I have seen his faithfulness enough times and enough yesterdays to realize that he will be faithful today and he will be faithful on into the future and tomorrow. And I really don't have to worry. I don't have to worry. Now, here's where it should all come together for you. I will do what God asked me to do. I will give God, what I can't do. And you want to stop worrying? I want you to look at this. I will trust God no matter what happens. That's the picture that you need to see. No matter what. If God does what I think he should do, I'm going to trust him. If God doesn't do what I think he should do, I'm still going to trust him. If I pray and believe God for a miracle and he does it, I'm going to trust him. If my worst nightmare comes about, I believe he's sovereign. I believe that he's good. I believe that he has a plan to bless you and to prosper you, not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future, which is what he tells us in his word. And even if it doesn't look like what I think it should look like, I'm still going to trust him." [25:29] (74 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I don't know what you're worried about today, but I know that worry has held me captive for too many years and for far too long. It is a sin that I refuse to live with any longer because in sin, this sin, this worry in my life, it's really a lack of faith in the promises and the power of God. And I don't want to insult my God in that way. I believe he is who he says he is, that he is capable, that he is willing, and that he is able to take care of me. So I will do what God asks me to do. I will give God what I can't do. I will trust God no matter what happens. And as you put your life in him, as you are hidden in him more and more with Christ, may he remove all the worry and all the anxiety and all the fear because God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I pray that you would be set free from the sin of worry in your life today." [27:03] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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