Trusting God's Provision: Overcoming Worry with Gratitude
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound message of Jesus' command, "Do not worry," as found in Matthew 6. This directive is not a call to neglect responsibility or foresight but an invitation to trust in God's provision and care. We began by acknowledging the struggle many of us face in truly believing that we are loved and cared for by God. This belief is foundational to seeing the world through a biblical lens, as Paul encourages in Philippians 2:5, to have the mind of Christ.
We examined three different scenarios where the phrase "don't worry" might be applied, each highlighting the complexity and depth of human experience. These examples illustrated that while worry can sometimes spur necessary action, it often leads to unnecessary stress and tension. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 provides a specific hope that can help us navigate these situations without being consumed by anxiety.
Jesus uses the examples of birds and wildflowers to illustrate God's meticulous care for His creation. If God provides for the birds and adorns the flowers with beauty, how much more will He care for us, His children? This teaching is not a call to laziness but a reminder that our efforts should be coupled with trust in God's provision. We are encouraged to focus on eternal treasures and the kingdom of God rather than being consumed by material needs.
The sermon emphasized that it is impossible to be grateful and worried simultaneously. Gratitude shifts our focus from our anxieties to God's faithfulness. By recounting personal stories of God's provision, we are reminded of His unchanging nature and His love for us. Jesus' command to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness assures us that all our needs will be met.
In conclusion, we are called to live out our faith quietly and faithfully, trusting that God will take care of our needs. Practical steps to combat worry include serving others, praying through the Psalms, and recounting God's past faithfulness. As we come to the communion table, we are reminded of Jesus' ultimate provision and love, which anchors us in the midst of life's uncertainties.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God's Provision: Jesus' command to "not worry" is rooted in the assurance that God cares for us more than He does for birds and flowers. This trust is not an excuse for laziness but a call to balance our efforts with faith in God's provision. By focusing on God's faithfulness, we can rest our anxious minds. [18:35]
2. Gratitude Overcomes Worry: It is impossible to be grateful and worried at the same time. Gratitude shifts our focus from our anxieties to God's faithfulness. By recounting personal stories of God's provision, we are reminded of His unchanging nature and His love for us. [22:46]
3. Seek First the Kingdom: Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, assuring us that all our needs will be met. This means prioritizing our relationship with God and our service to others over material concerns. [27:53]
4. Practical Steps to Combat Worry: Practical steps to combat worry include serving others, praying through the Psalms, and recounting God's past faithfulness. These practices help us focus on God's provision and care, reducing our anxiety. [35:21]
5. Communion as a Reminder: The act of communion reminds us of Jesus' ultimate provision and love. It anchors us in the midst of life's uncertainties, reinforcing the truth that God is sovereign and good, and that He will continue to provide for us. [37:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:02] - The Struggle with Worry
[11:45] - Three Scenarios of Worry
[14:23] - Understanding "Don't Worry"
[15:29] - Context of Matthew 6
[16:14] - Quietly Living the Christian Life
[16:58] - Choosing Between God and Mammon
[17:41] - The Meaning of Worry
[18:35] - God's Provision for Birds
[19:10] - If This, Then That
[20:24] - Personal Story of God's Provision
[22:46] - Gratitude Overcomes Worry
[24:20] - God's Care for Nature
[25:29] - God's Love for Us
[27:53] - Seek First the Kingdom
[29:49] - Knowing God Changes Our Perspective
[31:11] - Serving Others Reduces Worry
[31:54] - In Summary: Don't Worry About Tomorrow
[33:03] - Historical Example of Christian Care
[34:17] - The Kingdom's Quiet, Subversive Work
[34:50] - Practical Steps to Combat Worry
[37:31] - Communion as a Reminder
[39:04] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:25-34: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
2. Philippians 2:5: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."
3. Romans 8:32: "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
#### Observation Questions
1. What examples does Jesus use in Matthew 6:25-34 to illustrate God's provision? How do these examples help us understand His care for us?
2. According to Philippians 2:5, what mindset are we encouraged to have, and how does this relate to the concept of not worrying? [11:02]
3. In Romans 8:32, what argument does Paul use to assure us of God's provision? How does this "if-then" argument work? [19:10]
4. What are the three scenarios of worry mentioned in the sermon, and how do they illustrate different aspects of worry? [11:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 challenge our typical approach to planning and worrying about the future? What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God? [27:53]
2. Why is it significant that Jesus uses birds and flowers as examples of God's provision? What does this tell us about God's care for His creation and for us? [18:35]
3. How does gratitude function as a remedy for worry according to the sermon? Why is it impossible to be grateful and worried at the same time? [22:46]
4. What practical steps are suggested in the sermon to combat worry, and how might these steps help someone struggling with anxiety? [35:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in a tangible way. How can recounting this story help you combat worry in your current situation? [20:24]
2. Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to prioritize your relationship with God over material concerns? [27:53]
3. The sermon suggests that serving others can help reduce worry. Identify a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. How might this act of service shift your focus from your own worries? [31:11]
4. Praying through the Psalms is recommended as a way to combat worry. Choose a Psalm to pray through this week. How does this practice help you focus on God's faithfulness and provision? [35:21]
5. The act of communion is a reminder of Jesus' ultimate provision and love. How can participating in communion regularly anchor you in the midst of life's uncertainties? [37:31]
6. Consider the statement, "It is impossible to be grateful and worried at the same time." What are some practical ways you can cultivate gratitude in your daily life to combat worry? [22:46]
7. Reflect on the idea that knowing God changes our perspective on life's challenges. How can you deepen your understanding of God's character to help you trust Him more fully in difficult times? [29:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Provision
Jesus' command to "not worry" is rooted in the assurance that God cares for us more than He does for birds and flowers. This trust is not an excuse for laziness but a call to balance our efforts with faith in God's provision. By focusing on God's faithfulness, we can rest our anxious minds. Jesus uses the examples of birds and wildflowers to illustrate God's meticulous care for His creation. If God provides for the birds and adorns the flowers with beauty, how much more will He care for us, His children? This teaching is not a call to laziness but a reminder that our efforts should be coupled with trust in God's provision. We are encouraged to focus on eternal treasures and the kingdom of God rather than being consumed by material needs. [18:35]
Matthew 6:26-27 (ESV): "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's provision? How can you actively remind yourself of His faithfulness today?
Day 2: Gratitude Overcomes Worry
It is impossible to be grateful and worried at the same time. Gratitude shifts our focus from our anxieties to God's faithfulness. By recounting personal stories of God's provision, we are reminded of His unchanging nature and His love for us. When we focus on what we are thankful for, it becomes easier to see God's hand in our lives and trust in His ongoing care. This practice of gratitude can transform our perspective, helping us to see beyond our immediate concerns and recognize the broader picture of God's goodness and provision. [22:46]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Take a moment to write down three things you are grateful for today. How does focusing on these blessings change your perspective on your current worries?
Day 3: Seek First the Kingdom
Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, assuring us that all our needs will be met. This means prioritizing our relationship with God and our service to others over material concerns. When we align our priorities with God's kingdom, we find that our worries about daily needs diminish. By focusing on God's righteousness and His kingdom, we are reminded that our ultimate purpose is not tied to material success but to living out God's will in our lives. This shift in focus helps us to trust that God will provide for our needs as we seek to serve Him faithfully. [27:53]
Matthew 6:33-34 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Reflection: What does it mean for you to seek first the kingdom of God in your daily life? How can you prioritize your relationship with God and service to others today?
Day 4: Practical Steps to Combat Worry
Practical steps to combat worry include serving others, praying through the Psalms, and recounting God's past faithfulness. These practices help us focus on God's provision and care, reducing our anxiety. Serving others shifts our focus from our own concerns to the needs of those around us, fostering a sense of community and purpose. Praying through the Psalms allows us to express our worries and find comfort in God's promises. Recounting God's past faithfulness reminds us of His unchanging nature and reassures us of His ongoing care. [35:21]
Psalm 55:22 (ESV): "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."
Reflection: Choose one practical step to combat worry today—whether it's serving someone in need, praying through a Psalm, or recalling a time when God provided for you. How does this action help you trust in God's care?
Day 5: Communion as a Reminder
The act of communion reminds us of Jesus' ultimate provision and love. It anchors us in the midst of life's uncertainties, reinforcing the truth that God is sovereign and good, and that He will continue to provide for us. Communion is a tangible reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the depth of God's love for us and His commitment to our well-being. This sacred practice helps us to refocus our hearts on God's faithfulness and the hope we have in Christ. [37:31]
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV): "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: As you prepare for communion, reflect on Jesus' ultimate provision and love for you. How does this reminder of His sacrifice help you trust in God's care for your daily needs?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Imagine the way that God must love you in me. Think about the extent that he went to so that you and I could be this strange little group that gets together on Sunday mornings and then goes tries and to live differently throughout the week. He didn't just invite us. He didn't send an invitation. What he did was he sent his son. To live a life that you and I would refuse to live. To die a death to pay for our sin. So that you and I could become something different." [21:39] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It is impossible to be grateful and worry at the same time. Your mind simply cannot do that. So the more time we can spend learning to be grateful the less time we will spend being ate up with worry. It's as simple as that your mind is physically incapable of doing both at the same time." [22:46] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Seek first the kingdom of God in his righteousness and all these things will be provided for you therefore don't don't worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." [27:53] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Love God. Love other people. We go about it quiet. Jesus says. Seek first this. The kingdom of God. And his righteousness. All the rest of it. I'll take care of. That's the way he works. That's the way that we work." [34:50] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you realize how much he's done for you. How much he's done in you. How much he's done through you and around you. It's pretty tough to worry. And to do that at the same time." [31:11] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Honestly, sometimes folks have to fall down to learn to stand up. And that third one, if I throw don't worry in there, honestly, that's just crass. And it seems rude. Three very different scenarios. Now, sometimes God does do great things with the misuse of his word. But it's important for us as we step in today, and Jesus says, don't worry, to do the work, to see what's he actually talking about here. And to apply that as best as we can." [14:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we focus on loving God. What's that mean we we focus not just on on an emotional how we feel but it's getting to know him what's he like what's his nature like what's he done how does he love how has he loved once we focus on who he is it changes us because it changes the way that we see our scenario. It changes the way that we see things around us." [29:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus never says here in the text that we shouldn't worry about how others or what. Others eat or where he says you don't worry about that for you and make sure for those of us you know let's be honest we're in America where we're affluent we're part of the system that God has designed so that others will make sure that they have food and clothes on a daily basis we're part of that system that is not an excuse for folks not to work I'm not providing that Paul says if you if you won't work you don't get to eat." [31:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The outside world doesn't have a relationship with the one true God they don't see the precision in which he takes care of nature the way that he provides the way that he always holds all things together they don't know the lengths that he's gone to purchase us from sin and death to wipe away the shame to give us a hope in the future but we do know we do know this in that knowledge should lead us to rest in a life of thankfulness." [27:53] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We as Christians. We go about trusting. Quietly loving God. Loving other people. Going about our faith. Our acts of our prayers. Our devotions. We don't need to sound off trumpets. But we do need with hearts to devote it to him. To help others. Without letting everyone in the world know what we're doing. We go about Jesus says focus on this. I'll take care of everything else." [32:30] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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