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Is Worry a Sin?
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Similar to the analogy of appearance; it’s okay to be concerned if we use it as an initiative to take action. It is good to care about others, to be concerned about the work you do and to be aware of your responsibilities; this is a matter of being a good steward of your finances, relationships, and belongings. However, you ought to pay attention to your anxiety and worry. As Pastor Jeff explained, it is an indication of a lack of faith, almost a warning to those to check their attitude and understanding of God’s sovereignty.I really like the analogies Pastor Jeff used here. Evaluating your worries and anxieties is not meant to condemn, but to bring you to put God and His Will first in your life. What exactly are you putting above Him? We must take God’s word and apply it as we grow in our faith. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God!” As counselor’s we get to take this and respond to others in love. It is challenging to evaluate where you lack faith, but this is how we grow deeper in our trust in Him as we must come back to His Word to remind us of His promises and truth.
What great reminder that we don’t have to worry because of the promise that we have. We know the one who remains in control. I appreciate the balanced view, that there is a difference between worry and preparation. I have seen so many believers taking extreme positions over the last weeks; both giving in to worry, attempting to spiritually manipulate people into a place of fear and in contrast those who proudly flaunt their lack of concern about becoming ill and not prepared as a symbol of their faith. Our obedience as always must be a product of a personal relationship with God, seeking what he is asking us to do, regardless of what is happening in the world. We are to see Jesus in control of our lives.
Thank you Pastor Jeff on another good pod cast on worry, and anxiety and a troubled heart. I have really been struggling with worry these last few years so much that it brought major anxiety and panic attacks, I like how Pastor Jeff states we shouldn’t worry like the world does and the analogy he gives that Jesus says” We should not worry to look at the birds, if I take care of them will I not take care of you and also to look at the flowers and the lilies and their beauty they don’t worry or stress so why do you worry about what you will wear. For a few years the one thing that my counselor has helped me to see that worrying will not make your life longer it’ll only make you more miserable so I had used that to help me to deal with worrying and also she told me how Pastor Jeff stated we should instead of worrying we should put God and His will in our life. We need to walk by complete faith and trust everything to God not just parts of what we want. Many times I have to remind myself my kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I have to get in scripture to help me with my worry and realize that worrying is just a lack of faith on my part. I really enjoyed listening to all these pod casts they have been very informative to me
These are some of my favorite verses. I used to say as a little girl, “if something is going to happen, its going to happen wether you worry or not, so why worry?” Now, though I often lose that perspective. As was said here, it is true that when you worry it tends to make your life more miserable. However, we all still worry a lot. When we put too much emphasis on things like the physical, it creates more worry. I like that thought of what are we doing with the dash that is our life? We need to be living our lives carefully and prayerfully. Faith can overcome any anxiety and worry. Good encouragement.
Thank you for this message today. As I mentioned last week, anxiety is something that I have struggled with periodically. This is a great reminder that anxiety is simply a lack of faith. Many times when people struggle with anxiety it is the lack of the rule and reign of Christ in their life. Personally a perspective check is what has been helpful for me in the past. Remembering that God has a plan for this earth and He is in charge and in control of my life. I also appreciate the reminder that when we are counseling others that struggle with anxiety, it is important to ask if they have surrendered their life to Christ. One can be Christian and not have Christ as the ruler of their life. Many people are still the ruler of their lives or at least particular areas of their lives. It is vital to bring this to the individuals attention and encourage them to say no to self, and ask that Christ will rule in their lives. This is the remedy to worry.
I really enjoyed this podcast. Pastor Jeff started out with the question, “Is Worry a sin?” and doesn’t fully answer it until the end of the podcast after walking us through Scripture, particularly Matthew 6. Jesus was explaining God’s care for His people, He illustrated His point with the examples of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, how they are wonderfully cared and provided for without any worry on their part. Jesus used, as Jeff described, the elements around Him to demonstrate God’s love and provision. This is a wonderful passage to share with someone who is subject to this anxiety-filled world (like all of us…) – that those who have the hope of Christ living within need not worry at all. In fact, because He is within us, we can draw on a power far beyond any that “threatens” us in this life.
There is a peace in Jesus that surpasses all understanding, even when we are bombarded with the messages of a failing economy, a virus that could kill us, dueling political activists with opposing ‘solutions’, and a willing media eager to tell us all about it.
I just took a walk in my neighborhood on a beautiful late afternoon. The lake by my house steadfastly and consistently allows water in/water out, the birds and fish thrive, the sun is about to set, neighbors are with their families, and the Lord is watching it all. He is trustworthy – His Word shows us hundreds of years of examples of that. Stay close to Him and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
The title “Worry, Anxiety and Troubled Heart”, is a title that best described my life, once upon a time. I really appreciate that Pastor Christianson speaks about what is current, and topics that are very relevant and now. Mathew chapter 6 verse 25, speaks of not worrying about food and lacking something to drink, For God is our provider. We don’t have to worry the way the world worries. Pastor said in last week’s podcast that “we as Christians are not to worry but it is normal to express concern”.
I love how Jesus uses the birds as an illustration, and he also uses the lilies of the field as an example in regard to clothing and how we shouldn’t worry about what to wear. I see how God is describing his own creation and uses it as examples to make a point, and for us to learn from it, which tells me that in his own creation, you can relate life lessons to each and everything beautiful thing that he had made. I remember worrying so much that my psoriasis would flare up, which tells me that stress manifests itself in many ways, even in the physical. Worrying will not extend your life, it is an indication of a lack of faith. He said When we worry and doubt that’s a lack of faith, which really speaks volumes to me.
Hi Johan…I use to worry and be anxious as well…it seems I would always think of the worst case scenario in different situations…Sometimes I still do, but as I continue to mature in Christ (I still have a long way to go), and the more time that I spend in God’s word, getting to know Him…the less I worry…”Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” I’m so thankful for all the tools (natural and super natural) that God gives us in order to grow us up… He’s a Good , Good Father…Be blessed out there my brother in Christ…and thank you for all your encouraging words.
Johan, God is so amazing and I love also how He uses His amazing creation to teach us; He makes it really beautiful, simple, and easy to understand the lesson. God is our provider and without Him we can’t do nothing. He has shown Himself faithful, and we really need to remember that all the time. I can understand why unbelievers worried, because they don’t have Jesus in their lives, but we do. We have to whole trinity within us, no part of the trinity. Now that is powerful!
worry doesn’t only cause anxiety it can also cause many physical conditions also, My worry caused me to have digestive issues. When I started getting in the Word and hearing different verses that instructed do not worry, was when I realized that worry was really just a lack in faith. This has been speaking to me the last few weeks, about worry and that it only makes our lives misreable. It’s like in listening to these pod casts its speaking into my life in the areas I lack.
Say to those with fearful hearts; “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you. Don’t be afraid, for He is with you. Don’t be discouraged. He will strengthen you and help you. He will hold you up with His victorious hand. His perfect love expels all fear. For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love power and sound-mind. He frees us from all our fears. When anxiety is great, only His comfort gives renewed hope and confidence.”
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “so don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Amen!
His Words are most effective, everytime.
I’m positive that what I will be sharing is something that most others here haven’t already commented on. I’m glad that Pastor Jeff did not beat around the bush to say that worry is not a sin just so that he can “save face”.
The question we have to ask ourselves is, “When is sin, sin?” Sin is sin when when we do not do what God asks us to do. God has instructed us not to worry. So if worry ensues from us, then we have sinned. Instead of worrying, God asks us to give all of our worries to Him and to rejoice!
Hi Josiah, No matter what it is we are doing, then sin is simply put is: “when we don’t do what God is asking us to do, we sinned.” God has giving us Himself to rely on, what a gift! Thanks Josiah.
This was a very timely message for me personally, as well as for my ministry. I’ve been worried about catching the COVID-19 virus. I’ve been fearful of having shortness of breath, of not being able to fulfill my responsibilities and also fearful for our family members with asthma and emphysema being susceptible to a bad bout with the virus. At the same time, I’m ministering to others and encouraging them to trust God! I have been struggling just as they are. This message was coupled with another devotion from this morning, that prompted me to consider if I’ve doubted God’s good care for me – I have. I am repenting this morning and asking God to forgive my lack of faith. I appreciated Jeff’s mention that nothing, not even physical exercise, will change the number of days that God has planned for me. Worry will not make my life longer, and circumstances will not make it any shorter than God intended. Praising Him and moving forward in my day without the sin of worry!
Joanne, I appreciate your vulnerability in your post. Isn’t it just like the enemy to put those anxious thoughts in your heart and mind? Here you are, seeking to minister hope and encouragement to others and at the same time are in a battle against worry. But isn’t it just like Jesus to shower us with His grace and give us reminders in His Word that He is our ever-present Help in our time of need? God bless you as you continue to serve Him!
I am so thankful Jeff for this encouragement and teaching about not letting worry dominate our lives in these times.
I was challenged with an idea this morning before I heard your podcast. Should we give sway to fear or faith? The answer: Faith must rule us. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1.
At the moment we can’t see the purpose in this health crisis but we must remain “confidence in what we hope for” and “assured about what we do not see.”
Christ himself is our confidence and I am assured of that he is on the throne.
A bible verse that kept coming into my mind recently says:
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Psalm 46: 10-11.
(I rejoiced in these verses to think of God being exalted on the earth!)
Anne Marie,
I love the verses you shared! I was reading a devotion this morning that tied into this message of worry. The reference was with regard to the Israelites leaving Egypt – God’s purpose was to free them from oppression, but they were scared. It hit me that in this time of “lockdown” we have freedom from the oppression of our jam-packed daily schedules. Instead of being worried about the change of pace I should be praising God for the slow down. I can trust Him with my life and focus on how He would have me minister to others! I rejoice with you Sister, and pray for God to be exalted among the nations (especially ours) all the more!
That passage has always brought such comfort to me. I love that he reminds us that He WILL be exalted. His status stands as exalted, regardless of what happens in our lives or in the world. God is unchanging.
Thank you Pastor Jeff for the continued teaching in Mathew 6…my family is praying for you and yours…peace be still. It is of no doubt that we as biblical counselors have an excellent opportunity right now. This current world wide situation is an open door of ministry for the Bride of Christ. Whether it be on social media, via text and/or phone or simply six feet away…we should be putting our faith into action…the world is watching us, do we look any different than them? Are we responding any differently than them?
We are God’s bride, we are God’s people, we are the New Testament Church…for such a time as this… “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you for the reason of the hope that you have…” (1 Peter 3:15).
Last weeks podcast was very inspiring and I have enjoyed sharing these verses in Mathew chapter six multiple times this week…This is a good, solid word…straight from the mouth of Jesus, and it redirects our confidence and hope back into the Living God.
God’s word is sufficient, it is more than enough for whatever our God allows to come our way.
Are people worried and scared right now? Yes.
Is worry/fear a sin? ….For the born again, spirit filled believer…yes, it is.
Just as we have heard in this podcast, worry is a lack of faith!
Do we have faith and hope in God? or has worry and fear taken our faith captive?
I once heard a preacher say…”if you are going to worry, than don’t pray…
but if you are going to pray, than don’t worry!
Man’s self-seeking, self-fulfilling, and self-indulging counsel right now is moving the masses, most are cheating themselves by putting self first and engaging in this counsel.
We should be proclaiming boldly God’s counsel. We should be counseling God’s way.
What does the Wonderful Counselor say? “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink…Look at the birds of the air…Consider the lilies of the field…your Heavenly Father knows what you need…But seek first the Kingdom of God.” This is the part of the podcast that ministered to me most. And I quote Jeff…”Instead of worrying put God’s will first in your life.” This is a perfect ending to this powerful, comforting passage. How do we keep from worrying, by seeking first the Kingdom of God, by putting God, and His will first. Thank you Pastor Jeff, and may we all…contend for the Faith.
Very true James this is the time “an open door of ministry,” to be witnessing and giving help to our neighbors and those in need.
At the moment we have asked our neighbors: How are you today? Do you need food shopping? And general chat which is good for community spirit.
Also contacting people via text message, phone calls and Facebook which has become very busy. Praying with those in need and sharing bible verses of encouragement.
But all of this is completely exhausting we pray for God’s strength and protection for all the biblical counselors and Pastor Jeff and his family.
That is encouraging to hear how you are using this opportunity. People are so much more open to talk, whether taking a walk around the neighborhood or on social media, than they ever have been before.
James, thank you for the reminder that Jeff’s podcast addressed the need to die to self. I definitely need less of me and more of Christ. If I am worrying about myself I am certainly focused on myself – and not others or God. I cannot surrender to Christ and the circumstances that He sovereignly placed in my life if I am full of worry about those circumstances. I am reminded of something I frequently tell my counselees – God wants us to steward our circumstances in the same way He wants us to steward our resources. The COVID-19 virus scare is no different.
Amen. This seems to be a constant struggle for me, being more concerned for myself than those around me. In these times of crisis, people need to see we are different in that we care for them more than ourselves.
James, I love your quote saying,” if you are going to worry, than don’t pray, if you are going to pray, than don’t worry”. Prayer and worry just don’t go together. So some might say what is the use in praying if God has it all under control. It is because God graciously invites us into His plans like a co-laborer in His Kingdom. He greatly values our participation in His plans. I have heard it said, “pray as if everything depended on us, and trust as if everything depended on God”.
Well said Jim. I like what you said, “this is a good, solid word…straight from the mouth of Jesus,”. Jesus is telling us the exact formula of how to life our lives without stress. I see this time as an opportunity to bring comfort to some many people, and this includes both the believers and unbelievers. God’s Word is what we need to use to counsel. I love how the Lord gave us His Word for our sake and our benefits and for the sake and benefits of others. We also really need to be bold as you said and give to others what God has given to us, which is His counsel through His Word.
So much encouragement in this podcast. In light of hard circumstances, it can be a temptation for anyone to worry. This can actually be opportunity for believers to grow in faith, since worry reveals that there is somewhere we are not trusting the Lord. God is paying attention, he knows what is happening in your life.
As pastor Jeff mentions we should believe God for everything. It is always good to be reminded that God can take it, he wants you to bring it. He hears your problems and answers your prayers, we can believe God not just for salvation, but also for sanctification.
We want to walk with the lord and trust him in ALL of our ways.. not just some of our ways. I really enjoyed the quote by Martin Lloyd:
“ To be of little faith means we are mastered by our circumstances “- instead of Christ.
Instead of worrying , As Matthew 6 says, put God and his word first in your life.
“Seek first the kingdom of God.” which is the rule and reign of christ in your life – “Jesus in charge.”
Lately I have been worried about a few things. Finances being one of them. Somehow it seems like an area God is not in touch with or concerned with. I truly need to learn that God is not only in tune with it but can provide from his riches for me. This is really a podcast I needed to hear. As pastor Jeff puts it:
“You can’t see His kingdom come unless you see your kingdom go. “
That statement that Pastor Jeff made at the end about kingdoms is so good. It reminds me of certain prayers I pray. They go like this, “Father, please turn my heart into more like your Son’s.”
What is interesting is that, yes, our Lord loves hearing prayers like these, but He tends to answer these kinds of prayers in ways most do not expect Him to do.
Here I am needing to exercise patience and becoming frustrated in a situation, but the Lord is saying, if you want to become like my Son, you need to have your your patience trained!
That is an awesome quote …”you can’t see His kingdom come unless you see your kingdom go”. I think of the verse about the double-minded man being unstable in all his ways. We can’t have our feet in both the kingdom of the future and the kingdom of the now. Something I have learned about seeking first the kingdom of God and all these things being added, is that when I honor God, He honors me. Often the “things” being added aren’t material blessings but blessings that are far greater than anything material.
Hi Pastor Jeff, thank you again for the podcast. These passages are full of amazing insights. It is so truth that God is paying attention, He knows all about what’s going on and He is not surprised about anything. Worry is absolutely a sin, because what we are saying when we worried, is that we are not trusting the God of the Universe, the One who created us, and the One who made a way through the work of Jesus Christ. It is interesting how easy it is to forget what He has done for us. In my prayer time, I ask the Lord to remind me of the details of the cross because It helps me to be in tune with the love that he demonstrated for me there. Really understanding what He did, helps me to know how immense His love is for me, and if He did this for me, then I can’t have any doubt that He will not leave me nor forsake me as He promise. I trust my Lord, and being worry will not make the situation different, like verse 27 says, which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”. Worry also shows the little faith or lack of faith we have. It’s so true that we can be certain that Jesus is our Savior, but when it comes to circumstances or situations that are putting us uncomfortable, we can get worry and not see that we have a big and good God. We tend to forget that, and it is not pleasing to Him. We really need to trust Him and be an example to others, that people will see our trust for Him in really hard situations.
I remember when one of my sons got in trouble with 3 others of his friends, we have to go to court. They were about 14 years old. I remember being outside the courtroom waiting to be call. I was sitting with the other mothers, and one of them said to me, how can you be so calm knowing that our kids can be sent to juvenile detention. I remember saying that I trusted the Lord, and that whatever happens, it was God’s will for whatever reason, and that He was in control. It was really good to know that somehow, I was being a good witness just by trusting God while they were really worry about the outcome. The more we know Jesus, the more we will trust Him, there is not question about that. Again, thank you Pastor Jeff for the reminder and for your insight. God Bless!
Hi Ritter…”The more we know Jesus, the more we will trust Him, there is not question about that.”
This is a most excellence quote by you Ritter. It is so true.
I can see the world falling into worry and fear, but as disciples of Jesus Christ we should be standing in faith. The only way that we can truly do this, is by drawing daily, closer and closer to the Lord. In doing this, we will trust Him more and more…and our faith will increase.
It reminds of the wonderful song…”Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it Jesus is my plea… Daily walking close to Thee…Let it be dear Lord… Let it be.” Thanks so much for this excellent reminder.
“To be of little faith, means we are mastered by our circumstances instead of mastering them.”- Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones.
This is a supreme quote! Its so true that the circumstances of life can master people. They hold them down, keep them scared, remove their hope and change their perspective. The answer is faith! This might sound simplistic to many people. But when you have a full understanding of who God is and what the bible actually teaches, then you will see that it is not simple to trust in God. Pastor Jeff said we need to “internalize God’s Word” and “take God’s Word and apply it” which is using faith. Those who do this are walking by faith and will not be “mastered by” circumstances.
The quote by Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones really has a strong message and it’s something I will remember. I agree with you about it holding people own. keeping them scared, removing hope and perspective. This is the tactic of the enemy to derail a believer’s faith.
literally! the enemy is constantly lying to everyone non-stop (father of lies), and the deception is being received and accepted by many, more and more each passing year.
It is so true as you said, when we have a full understanding of who God is and what the Bible teaches. Then we have a great assurance of placing our faith on Him.
As I mentioned in my post, I have a hard time trusting God with finances. Thanks to your comment I decided to see what about God I need to grow in understanding and trust in. I asked “God why do u want to provide for me?” The lord impressed on my heart, hat it is Because He is a good father. I think of my dad and how he is aware of my needs, just at the right time he helps me. God is an even more generous and caring father.
Thank you Alejandro and thank the lord that this is something we are all growing in !
Hi Alejandro…thank you for your response, I was encouraged by it. It’s so true that the answers to all of life are found in placing our faith in Jesus Christ and giving our lives and hearts to God. There is a scripture in 2 Corinthians that reminds us that the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Right now is a perfect opportunity to share that light and that gospel, and to contend for the faith. While the enemy is loosing a spirit of fear and worry (darkness) upon the earth, we can proclaim God’s truth (light), stand in faith and “take God’s Word and apply it.” Godspeed!
Your comment reminds me of what Pastor Bob Hoekstra said about faith. Commonly, when the word, “faith” is used in the Bible it is referring to either the gospel or true faith. “The faith” refers to the Word of God, whereas “faith” refers to what is used to be able to obey God.
The lack of or absence of faith, negatively influences people to withdraw themselves from the doctrine and instruction of God. In other words, where faith is the bridge between the Word of God and obedience, no man without faith can cross the bridge to be able to live out the truth in their lives.
Alejandro-
I agree – great quote! That stood out to me as well. We are so easily entangled in this world and when things are going swimmingly, our mood follows. When things are NOT going so well, well….
But in Christ we are not subject to our circumstances. To be, as the Apostle Paul says, content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13) is something only accomplished in our relationship with God Himself – He is above all things and holds all things together (Colossians 1:16, 17)!
Thank you for sharing Alejandro. I appreciate your perspective and totally agree. Personally I have experienced the heaviness of allowing my focus to be on my circumstances instead of the Lord. Putting my faith in the Lord, while laying worry, fear, anxiety, and circumstance at the feet of the Lord and choosing to receive the truth of His Word has filled me with peace every time.
Pastor Jeff is right, worry is a lack of trust. It is so easy to live our lives with our head down, and our eyes focused on the circumstances around us. When we set on trying control our circumstances we have taken our eyes off of the one who really controls all things in our lives. God will often bring hard things into our lives in order to get us to stop, and look to Him for solutions. After hearing hours upon hours of discussions about this virus from politicians, doctors, and news media talking heads, I heard one man say, “Oh God forgive us of our sins and bring healing to us all”. As a believer we have no business joining into the panic that we see going on around us. We have a God that is bigger and more powerful than any pandemic.
I agree with you about our God being bigger and more powerful than the pandemic that is from this virus. As believers we need our focus on the Lord and be confident that He is with us. As we read in Romans 8:28 that all things work for the good for those who love God. Even in this situation, we can bring Him glory and good can come from this. But our example can be the main thing as we continue not to live in fear!
Worry is a lack of trust in God and it is so easy to take our eyes off of the truth and who is in control and start letting our circumstances control us and that is when we give into worry and fear. We should always be in the Word and always trusting God no matter what is going on around us, we should never let our feelings define us but let God be our guide and the fact that he is in control of everything.
This was a great podcast and the timing of the message is encouraging for all who hear it. As believers we need to remember we can trust the Lord to take care of us as He teaches us in Matthew 6. We can be a powerful witness for nonbelievers when we are able to show them, we have faith and trust in Him despite the pandemic and the news reports.
The message spoke to me when Pastor Jeff made the connection about how worrying shows little faith. When we have little faith, it means we are mastered by our circumstances instead of mastering them.
I agree! This kind of faith and life are absolutely needed during this crisis, and any crisis for that matter. People need to see us walking by faith, not afraid, living wisely. This can be a powerful testimony. I am reminded of when Paul was imprisoned but he said that their were many of “Caesar’s household” with whom he had shared the Gospel. In crisis time Paul was preaching. I am reminded of when the disciples were whipped and strictly warned to not preach in Jesus Name. In crisis time it says they rejoiced in their suffering. God is capable of using these things for His glory and plan of redemption.
I agree Autumn!
I believe the world is really seeing a contrast between how Christians are responding to this worldwide event, versus the panic the world displays. I pray they see more christians giving, being kind and more Christian’s unswayed. We can be honest about hardships, but we rely on our powerful God.
I want them to say ” how are you staying so calm.” and we can say ” we have a really strong anchor.”
As you said “We can be a powerful witness for nonbelievers when we are able to show them, we have faith and trust in Him despite the pandemic and the news reports.”
Another straightforward Bible study with Pastor Jeff.
These are great points to share with others in our “virtual” communities as we are faced with the covid -19 pandemic.
1. Don’t Worry
Look at the birds – birds are not known for their anxiety. He takes care of the birds, He will take care of us. Birds go out and get their food and don’t worry about it.
The flowers – Solomon’s royal robes were not as beautiful as the lilies of the field. We should not be obsessed. The outward should not be more important than the inward. 1 Pet 3
2. Worry will not make your life longer – worry makes your life more miserable, not longer – Matt 6:27. Worry can shorten your life. We are to take care of ourselves but not worry over it.
3. Worry is an indication of a lack of faith – Matt 6:30 – we need to trust God in all our ways. Martin Lloyd Jones – “to be of little faith means we are mastered by our circumstances instead of mastering them”. Faith comes by the Word of God. Faith grows by using it … by applying it. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
4. Instead of worrying, put God and His will first in your life – Matt 6:33 There has to be death to self.
Good word Stacy. My daughter grows all kinds of flowers for a hobby. Right now they are blooming and making Solomon look pretty dressed down. When the world hears us talk like this they think we are nuts. It is because they just don’t know Him. To know Him is to trust Him.
I agree. Our churches right now are groups of believers, some mature and some immature, who are at this point “scattered.” These “virtual communities” do need to hear these points and insights from the Word.
The point that resonated with me personally was how “worry will not make your life longer.” So many people fear death, and suffering. Especially now during the worldwide crisis. But, this point is clear that worrying about our death’s won’t halt their coming. Now, just like Pastor Jeff said this doesn’t mean we sit doing nothing to protect ourselves practically or take care of ourselves. But, we have to ultimately trust in God’s perfect timing even over our “last breathes.”
Years ago my father died after a short battle with cancer. During the final months of his life we were told several times to say our goodbyes, that his time was short. Each time within 24 hours he would rally and regain his health for weeks or even months. The day he died his physician was literally in the middle of saying that he thought he would beat the cancer when he coded. This may seem like a strange story to tell, but it has always stuck with me as a very real reminder that God numbers our days, it is not up to us or any physician. When He wants us to be present with Him, we will be. Not a moment before or a moment after.
Thanks Stacy I enjoyed reading your comment a synopsis of Jeff’s encouragement and the points you indicated:
1. Don’t worry,
2.Worry will not make your life longer.
3. Worry is an indication of a lack of faith.
4. Instead of worrying, put God and His will first in your life.
I just thank God he give us the fruits of the Spirit one of which is self control! We can say no to worry by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for sharing your response and I appreciate the way you organized your post. These are such beautiful reminders that God did not create us to worry or fear. He created us to be taken care of by He that is more than capable. His desire is that we lean on Him. He takes care of every single detail and we are to simply delight in and obey Him as He leads us through the life that He created us to live.