The Problem of Worry
Introduction
1. Today I would like for us to begin a study of "The Christian's Everyday Problems."
- The first lesson will be on "The Problem Of Worry."
- Some of the other problems we will study are:
- Discerning Between Good and Evil
2. The problem of worry is one of the biggest problems of our age.
- This century may go down in history as "The Age of Anxiety."
- Martha has many brothers and sisters in our time. (Lk. l0:41).
Different Kinds Of Worry
1. People Worry About Things That Have Already Happened.
- One should never try to saw sawdust.
- Worry about the past is like trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube.
- Past deeds cannot be undone and past words cannot be unsaid.
- If the past involves sin, obey the conditions of pardon and let God abundantly forgive. (Isa. 55:7).
2. People worry about things that will never happen.
- Mark Twain said, "I have worried over a great many things in life, the most of which never happened."
3. People worry over things that will inevitably happen.
- Some people worry about their children marrying and some worry they will not marry and leave .
- Some people worry about dying and oddly some worry they will live too long.
- Some people worry about growing old; but grow old they must.
- Studies conducted by the University of Wisconsin reveal that 40% of the worries of people are over things that never happen, 30% are over the past and things that cannot be changed, 22% are over petty and needless worries, and only 8% are over things legitimate.
- It is much better to spend our time in prayer, study, mediation and useful activity.
Sin Of Worry
1. Worry is sin because it spurns God's commandment. (Matt. 6:25, 3l, 34; Phil. 4:6).
- This commandment is as essential as any other commandment.
- Yes, the Lord commands us not to worry, but He does not forbid us to give any thought for tomorrow.
- A farmer who wants a crop must plant seed.
- A contractor who wants to start a house in the morning must have a blueprint and materials.
2. Worry is sin because it impairs health.
- She's worrying herself sick.
- Headaches, hives, fatigue, asthma, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers and a host of other illnesses can be caused by worry.
3. Worry is sin because it robs one of joy, happiness and peace.
- Many wake up happy and much to be joyful about, but then they begin to worry.
- See Phil. 4:4; l Thess. 5:l6; Prov. l7:22.
4. Worry is sin because it is prohibitive against prayer being answered.
- For our prayers to be answered we must ask in faith (Jas. l:5,6; Mk. ll:24).
- Worry is distrust in God.
- We must not be like the man who prayed to God for protection throughout the night; and, then stayed up all night to see if He would.
Overcoming Worry
1. We must have absolute trust in God (Matt. 6:25-3l; Phil. 4:6)
- When faith weakens, our anxieties form.
2. Acceptance of self prevents worry. (Matt. 6:27).
- One cannot change height by worry.
- All do not have same talents and we must not worry if we are not as talented as someone else.
3. We must learn to live a day at a time. (Matt. 6:34).
- Jesus warned be must not be anxious about tomorrow.
- He indicated each day has enough trouble of its own.
4. We must cast our burdens on Jehovah. (Psa. 55:22; l Pet. 5:7).
5. Faith in Christ us helps to prevent worry. (Phil. 4:l3).
6. Realizing worry is a bad habit.
- One man worried because he had forgotten what he was supposed to worry about.
- It can be a very addictive habit.
7. Realizing it is futile to worry about things we cannot change.
- We should not worry about things we cannot change.
- We should not worry about things we can change.
8. Planning and making preparation helps overcome anxiety.
- Battles are won by planning and preparation.
- Plan the work and work the plan - then there won't be so much to worry about.
Conclusion
1. We may never overcome all worry especially fleeting moments of worry that involuntarily enters our minds.
2. We can by trusting God keep anxiety from dominating and destroying our thoughts and lives.