Trusting God: Overcoming Anxiety Through Kingdom Focus
Summary
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus addresses the pervasive issue of anxiety, urging us to shift our focus from worldly concerns to the kingdom of God. Anxiety is a common struggle, affecting many of us as we navigate life's uncertainties. Jesus acknowledges this reality but offers a profound solution: seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This passage reminds us that our heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide for them, just as He cares for the birds and clothes the lilies of the field.
Jesus emphasizes that anxiety stems from a divided heart, one that is torn between serving God and worrying about worldly provisions. He challenges us to trust in God's provision, recognizing that our efforts cannot add a single hour to our lives. Instead of being consumed by worry, we are called to live as kingdom citizens, trusting that God will meet our needs as we prioritize His kingdom.
The examples Jesus provides—birds, lilies, and the grass of the field—illustrate God's faithful provision in nature, underscoring our greater value in His eyes. This teaching is not a call to laziness but a call to trust and act in faith, knowing that God is our ultimate provider. Jesus also addresses the issue of faith, reminding us that anxiety often reveals a lack of trust in God's ability and faithfulness.
In the face of anxiety, Jesus invites us to focus on what is true and act on it, rather than being led astray by our feelings. By seeking God's kingdom first, we align our lives with His purposes, trusting that He will take care of our needs. This passage encourages us to live in the present, not borrowing trouble from tomorrow, and to find peace in the assurance of God's provision.
Key Takeaways:
- Trust in God's Provision: Jesus teaches that anxiety often arises from a divided heart, torn between serving God and worrying about worldly needs. By trusting in God's provision, we can live as kingdom citizens, knowing that He will meet our needs as we prioritize His kingdom. [06:05]
- Value in God's Eyes: The examples of birds and lilies illustrate God's faithful provision in nature, reminding us of our greater value in His eyes. This teaching encourages us to trust in God's care and provision, recognizing that we are more valuable than the rest of creation. [14:00]
- Faith and Anxiety: Jesus addresses the issue of faith, highlighting that anxiety often reveals a lack of trust in God's ability and faithfulness. By focusing on God's kingdom, we can strengthen our faith and find peace in His provision. [21:25]
- Living in the Present: Jesus invites us to live in the present, not borrowing trouble from tomorrow. By seeking God's kingdom first, we align our lives with His purposes and find peace in the assurance of His provision. [38:21]
- Seek the Kingdom First: In the face of anxiety, Jesus calls us to focus on what is true and act on it, rather than being led astray by our feelings. By seeking God's kingdom first, we can trust that He will take care of our needs and provide for us. [33:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:10] - Introduction to Anxiety
- [02:13] - Jesus' Teaching on Anxiety
- [04:29] - Kingdom Citizens and Anxiety
- [05:12] - God's Provision for Our Needs
- [06:05] - Trusting God's Provision
- [07:33] - The Nature of Anxiety
- [08:39] - Examples of Anxiety
- [09:40] - Daily Needs and Trust
- [10:55] - Security and Provision
- [12:13] - God's Provision in Nature
- [13:15] - Birds and Lilies
- [14:00] - Our Value in God's Eyes
- [16:26] - Faith and Anxiety
- [18:19] - Trusting God's Faithfulness
- [19:09] - Living as Kingdom Citizens
- [21:25] - Addressing Little Faith
- [25:16] - Focus on the Kingdom
- [26:14] - God's Provision and Our Focus
- [27:11] - Reminding Ourselves of Truth
- [29:31] - God's Knowledge of Our Needs
- [30:16] - Acting Like Unbelievers
- [31:20] - Seeking the Kingdom First
- [32:32] - Overcoming Anxiety
- [33:23] - God's Provision Prompts Trust
- [34:34] - Seeking God in Salvation and Provision
- [35:23] - Living for God's Kingdom
- [36:27] - God's Care and Provision
- [37:11] - Living in the Present
- [38:21] - Trusting God for Today
- [39:13] - Jesus' Example of Trust
- [40:06] - Casting Cares on God
- [41:12] - Prioritizing the Kingdom
- [42:02] - Handling Anxiety with Faith
- [43:10] - Seeking the Kingdom Daily
- [44:01] - God's Care for His Creation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 6:25-34
Observation Questions:
1. What examples does Jesus use to illustrate God's provision in nature, and how do they relate to our value in His eyes? [14:00]
2. How does Jesus describe the nature of anxiety in this passage, and what does it reveal about our hearts? [07:33]
3. What does Jesus say about the relationship between anxiety and faith? [21:25]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the word "therefore" in Jesus' teaching on anxiety? [06:05]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' teaching on anxiety challenge the common ways people try to manage their worries? [04:29]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that anxiety can be a sign of divided priorities or a lack of trust in God? [07:33]
3. How does the concept of being a "kingdom citizen" influence the way we should approach our daily needs and concerns? [19:09]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of faith in overcoming anxiety, and how does Jesus address those with "little faith"? [24:16]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt anxious. How might focusing on God's kingdom have changed your response? [27:11]
2. Jesus calls us to seek the kingdom first. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize God's kingdom in your daily life? [31:20]
3. Consider the examples of God's provision in nature. How can these examples encourage you to trust in God's care for your own needs? [14:00]
4. Anxiety often reveals a lack of trust in God's faithfulness. What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to God, trusting in His provision? [21:25]
5. How can you remind yourself of God's truth when feelings of anxiety arise? Share a scripture or practice that helps you refocus on God's promises. [27:11]
6. Jesus invites us to live in the present and not worry about tomorrow. What is one way you can practice being present and trusting God for today? [38:21]
7. Identify a specific worry or concern you have about the future. How can you apply Jesus' teaching to seek God's kingdom first in this area? [33:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Provision
Anxiety often arises from a heart divided between serving God and worrying about worldly needs. Jesus teaches that by trusting in God's provision, we can live as kingdom citizens, assured that He will meet our needs as we prioritize His kingdom. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to focus on God's promises and His faithfulness. Jesus uses the examples of birds and lilies to illustrate God's care in nature, reminding us of our greater value in His eyes. By seeking God's kingdom first, we align our lives with His purposes and find peace in His provision. [06:05]
"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." (Matthew 6:31-32, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you struggle to trust God’s provision? How can you actively choose to trust Him in this area today?
Day 2: Value in God's Eyes
Jesus emphasizes that we are more valuable than the rest of creation, as illustrated by the examples of birds and lilies. This teaching encourages us to trust in God's care and provision, recognizing our worth in His eyes. By understanding our value, we can let go of anxiety and embrace the peace that comes from knowing we are cherished by God. This perspective shift allows us to focus on His kingdom, confident that He will provide for our needs. [14:00]
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing your value in God’s eyes change the way you view your daily worries? What steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth regularly?
Day 3: Faith and Anxiety
Anxiety often reveals a lack of trust in God's ability and faithfulness. Jesus calls us to strengthen our faith by focusing on God's kingdom, which helps us find peace in His provision. By addressing the root of our anxiety, we can cultivate a deeper trust in God and His promises. This involves actively seeking His kingdom and aligning our lives with His purposes, trusting that He will take care of our needs. [21:25]
"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific worry that reveals a lack of trust in God. How can you intentionally strengthen your faith in this area today?
Day 4: Living in the Present
Jesus invites us to live in the present, not borrowing trouble from tomorrow. By seeking God's kingdom first, we align our lives with His purposes and find peace in the assurance of His provision. This teaching encourages us to focus on what is true and act on it, rather than being led astray by our feelings. By living in the present, we can experience the fullness of God's peace and provision. [38:21]
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." (Proverbs 27:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one worry about the future that distracts you from living in the present? How can you refocus your attention on today and trust God with tomorrow?
Day 5: Seek the Kingdom First
In the face of anxiety, Jesus calls us to focus on what is true and act on it, rather than being led astray by our feelings. By seeking God's kingdom first, we can trust that He will take care of our needs and provide for us. This involves prioritizing His kingdom in our daily lives, trusting in His faithfulness and provision. By aligning our lives with His purposes, we can experience the peace and assurance that comes from living as kingdom citizens. [33:23]
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can seek God’s kingdom first in your daily routine? How can this shift in focus help alleviate your anxiety?
Quotes
"Anxiety. It's always an exciting topic, isn't it? You go to church. Oh, we're going to talk about anxiety today. We're like, yay! That's what everybody's looking forward to. Statistically speaking, 19 percent of the u.s population suffers with some sort of a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Anybody here besides me ever deal with anxiety of any sort? Anybody? If you don't, you're probably lying to yourself." [00:02:01] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Just as we can't serve God and his kingdom and serve money, money, he says, we cannot serve God and his kingdom and live concerned about his provision. So Jesus' encouragement in this will be to trust that God will provide when we live as kingdom citizens. Trust that God will provide when we live as his children, when we follow him." [00:07:09] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is not afraid to call us out when our trust in him, when our faith in him is lacking. But he does not abandon us when that happens. We have to remember that. Because sometimes in our anxiety we think that he has abandoned us. Sometimes in our anxiety the people around us do abandon us." [00:25:14] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The point that Jesus is getting across here is saying, listen, God will take care of you. Focus on him instead. Focus on his kingdom instead. And so in verses 31 to 34, Jesus moves from our anxiety and God's provision and he moves to where our attention should be focused." [00:25:46] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"One of the things I will tell myself and one of the things I will tell other people, when we're dealing with anxiety, when we're dealing with stress, when we're dealing with worry, when we're dealing with whatever and the feelings become overwhelming, remind yourself what is true. Your feelings are what your feelings are, right? And we know our feelings can lead us astray, right?" [00:27:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus says, don't be anxious. Seek my kingdom. He already knows what you need. He knows what's going on. Trust that He will provide. God's provision prompts us to seek His kingdom first. When we seek the kingdom of God, He will provide all the needs we have. We should seek him in salvation first and foremost." [00:33:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because of his provision, we don't need to worry about tomorrow. Therefore, verse 34, Therefore, what? Because when we seek first his kingdom and righteousness, all those things will be taken care of. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." [00:36:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus isn't saying here, it's just going to go away. He says, instead of, when that anxiety comes, instead of indulging and following after that anxiety, seek the kingdom. And for some, that anxiety may come daily and multiple times a day. And he's just reminding, seek the kingdom. God will take care of it. Remember the provision of God and seek the kingdom." [00:41:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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