Andy Arscott: Tackling anxiety with prayer. A summary.
We are all worried! John 16 tells us that we will have tribulation, but Jesus has overcome the world.
Concern |
Worry |
is recognising a troubling future |
is fearing a troubling future |
is considered and calm |
is emotional and uncontrolled |
coupled with prayer leads to positive action |
takes great energy, leads nowhere and solves nothing |
Through prayer, we can turn our worries into concerns and give them to God.
A child-like trust in God is the best preventative and remedy for anxiety.
Stop listening to yourself and start preaching to yourself!
- “Do not be anxious” is a command!
Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2. Keep things in perspective. Hebrews 12:7-11 Endure hardship as developmental discipline – it produces a harvest!
3. God values you and cares about your needs. Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
4. Anxiety accomplishes nothing! Matthew 6:25-34
5. Remember your destiny. Psalm 139, Hebrews 12:1-2 (run the race), Revelation 21 & 22 – eternal life of joy and praise!
6. Repent of unbelief. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
7. Anxiety is worldly.
8. Your heavenly Father knows what you need. YOU MATTER TO HIM!
9. God will supply all you need in order to live for Him.
10. You and God together will overcome, a day at a time. Lamentations 3:22-25
There are two days you never need to worry about – yesterday and tomorrow. God will manage yesterday’s regret and remorse, and tomorrow’s fear. With God, we can all manage today.
You are loved – so much that ”…God gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16