There is Hope

Part 2

Hope of overcoming anxiety

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25

Is there an antidote to anxiety?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

What should I pray in order not to worry?

“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts…

as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matt 6:9-15

Jesus gives us three keys to overcome anxiety:

I. ASK for God’s assistance

“Give us today our daily bread.”

Matthew 6:11

• Rather than worry we should ask God for help.

• Worry is an attempt to control the uncontrollable.

• When you feel like you are helpless it is usually then that you start to worry.

• But what is out of God’s control?

“…You do not have because you do not ask God!” James 4:2

“God is the source of all life…”

Numbers 16:32 GN

God is my “source” of…

Wisdom –

“For with you is the fountain of life;      in your light we see light.” Ps 36:9

Peace –

“The God of peace be with you all. Amen.” Rom 15:33

II. REMEMBER God’s resources

• Worry is an indication that we have forgotten God’s promises… that He has unlimited resources at his disposal.

• “Give us today our daily bread.”

• Bread represents the most basic necessity of life. God is concerned about all of your basic needs.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax…

to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works…

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”

Matt 6:32-33 (The Message)

• God’s ability is greater than my anxiety.

“Since God didn’t spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?” Rom 8:32 LB

III. TRUST God’s timing

“Give us today our daily bread.”

This is often the most difficult step in overcoming anxiety. Have you noticed that God’s timing is not the same as your timing? God’s timing is perfect. Waiting on God requires “faith”.

• Daily bread is just for today. Jesus doesn’t encourage us to ask for weekly, monthly or semi-annual bread.

• If God gave you everything you “needed” right now, how often would you come and talk to Him?

• How do I get that kind of daily dependence to trust him for today without worrying about tomorrow? You read this book – the Bible.

• “Faith comes by hearing and

hearing by the Word of God.”

• Manna – “What is it?”

• “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.” Matt 6:34 LB

• NIV – “Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

• “Praise the Lord… who DAILY bears our burdens.” 68:19

“If you were asked by your son for bread, would you give him a stone? How much more likely is it that your Heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him?” Matt 7:11