Anxiety and worry are things that affect many people at different stages, and it are things that the Bible speaks into. It should be said at the outset, that there are different forms and causes of anxiety, and this sometimes includes medical aspects where it would be appropriate to speak to a medical professional (and perhaps also to offer prayer for healing for those that desire it).

This sermon is focussed on the more general anxiety and worry that are common experience of many Christians, and looks at some ways of experiencing peace in the Lord.

This will be a thematic sermon, that looks at two different Bible passages and what they say about our worry and anxiety

Thanksgiving Is the Antidote to Anxiety (Philippians 4:4-8)  – In these verses, Paul encourages the Philippian believers not to be anxious, but instead has an alternative suggestion – prayer and thanksgiving. As we turn our minds from worries about the future to focus on the good things that God has given in the present then we will experience the peace of God that passes all understanding.

Trust In God’s Provision (Matthew 6:25-34) – In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the topic of anxiety. He points out the inability of anxiety to help with the things we worry about and shows that God is the good provider who takes cares of birds and flowers alike. How much more will he give us the food and clothing that we need? Learning to depend on God the provider can be a challenge in an affluent culture, but it is good for the soul and an antidote to the worry with which we live.

Seek God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:25-34) – Jesus finishes this section by urging his hearers to prioritise God’s kingdom. As we do this our focus moves away from our worry onto God and his purposes, and the worries have less of a grip on us. A similar point is made in Isaiah 58:10. It is as we pour ourselves out for others (especially those in need) that our light will rise in the noonday

Response

• A time of prayer ministry could be appropriate as a response to this sermon.