How to STOP Anxiety in its Tracks

 

Matthew 5 records that Jesus nestled himself on the side of a mountain and began to teach the large crowd who had diseases, pain, demon-possession, seizures, and those who were paralyzed.

In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus is giving spiritual guidance to the thousands with the problem of a worried and stressed out life. 

 

Anxiousness is gripping and it keeps us in a whirlwind of uncertainty. The Greek word translated as "anxious" is "to be pulled in different directions." Our fearfulness pulls us in one direction and our hope pulls us in the other direction; thus, we are pulled apart!

 

Jesus lays out a stress reducer that will free anyone from the grip of anxiousness in Matthew 6:25-34

 

1. Don't fuss over food and clothes (Matthew 6:25) - While food, clothing, and water are important, the real substance in life is feasting upon the Word's of God. Matthew 4:1-11, "...not live by bread alone, but on every Word...." Life was not meant to primarily please ourselves, but rather, to bring glory and honor to God – Matthew 5:16.

 

2. Don’t forget who provides for you (Matthew 6:26) - If you ever watch birds, you will notice that they are not lazy. They are digging for worms and bugs and building nests out of scraps of tree leaves or other materials. Birds do not hoard a load of worms in their nest, nor are they concern if there will be any food tomorrow. They live as hard working creatures with no worries about the next meal.

Philippians 4:19 sums is up well, "You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus."

 

3. Don’t fight what you cannot change (Matthew 6:27) - Worry sabotages our joy, zaps our energy, and displaces our courage.  Proverbs 12:25, "A worried heart weighs a man down...." and Jesus give the ultimate remedy to a stressed out life when he said, “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30

 

Trusting Jesus will loosen the grip of anxiety and open the door to calmness and peace. 

 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

 

Brian