What, Me Worry?

Focus: In today’s Scripture (Matt. 6 25-34), Jesus draws a stark contrast to those who preach a prosperity Gospel, a teaching that focuses on faith as a tool for the accumulation of wealth.Rather, he points to the Creation as an image of how God works. To be clear, he doesn’t say we won’t feel the pressure of daily life. Rather, we are to rest in the confidence that God knows our needs and will provide. We are to focus on living into our prayer of “on Earth as it is in Heaven.”

Sentences on the Subject: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?………….Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ” Jesus

“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.”― The Dalai Lama

“Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up”― Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened” Winston S. Churchill

“At such times, the heart of man turns instinctively towards his Maker. In prosperity, and whenever there is nothing to injure or make him afraid, he remembers Him not, and is ready to defy Him; but place him in the midst of dangers, cut him off from human aid, let the grave open before him, then it is, in the time of his tribulation, that the scoffer and unbelieving man turns to God for help, feeling there is no other hope, or refuge, or safety, save in his protecting arm.” ― Solomon Northup, Twelve Years a Slave

Anxiety weighs down the heart,but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. Think of a time when you had considerable stress/worry. What was the cause? How did that situation turn out?

Probe 2 Chamomile Tea? Bourbon? Meditation? Yoga? What is your “go to” when you are feeling worried?

Probe 3 Earlier in the Text (Matt. 6:8), Jesus says, “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” If that is the case, why pray?

Probe 4. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 When we pass the peace in church, what is the intent? Is it achieved? How might we do it better?

Probe 5. Jesus focused a lot on Love and Peace. Should that be where our focus is? What about sin and salvation?

Take Away. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.