"Hurry, Worry, Bury"

by Dennis Michelson
(Novelty, Ohio)

Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Introduction: Some time ago, Time magazine termed the age we live in as the "Age of Anxiety." It has been said that if the insignia of our forefathers was calloused hands, then the insignia of modern man is a furrowed brow.

1. The Problem of Worry

When someone says "sin" worry is not the first thing
that comes to mind.

2. The Seriousness of Worry

Read Matthew 6:25-34 and compare that passage with
Proverbs 12:25 and 14:30. Some medical research
suggests that nearly 80% of the problems patients
have can be traced directly or indirectly back to
worry.

3. The Uselessness of Worry

Matthew 6:27-29 reminds us that worry never causes
anything to happen or keeps it from happening.

4. The Worldliness of Worry

Matthew 6:31-32 points out that worry gives us a
poor testimony and reflects on our Father.

5. The Unbelief of Worry

Matthew 6:30 states it bluntly - "O ye of little
faith." Compare this with Hebrews 13:5-6 and
Isaiah 41:10. This is clearly a control issue.
Worry is our attempt to usurp the sovereignty of
God.

6. God's Perspective on Worry

Forget Nature and Nurture and try Scripture! Psalm
34 can do you more good than 10 sessions of
Gestalt therapy. We need to see things from God's
perspective rather than our self-absorbed view.

7. Overcoming Worry

Read Jeremiah 17:5-8. Trust in God is the antidote
for sinful worry. Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him
in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee,
because he trusteth in Thee.