In The Dark "The Dark Side Approaches"

In The Dark "Assessing Your Anger"

Where's my Bailout "Facing Economic Fears"

Where's my Bailout "Taking the Green Challenge"

Where's My Bailout "Can You Have Enough?"

Someone very wise once told me that worrying is a lot like rocking in a big ol’ rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but doesn’t accomplish much. Rocking may burn a few more calories than sitting does, but it won’t tone your body or help you train for endurance. If you get in the habit of rocking, after a while you won’t even realize you’re doing it anymore. It’s the same way with worrying. God’s word has a lot to say about worry. This week’s study is taken from the Sermon on the Mount out of Matthew’s Gospel. I don’t know if I’ve ever really thought about Jesus’ unique understanding of people and their tendency to worry. I mean not only does He know exactly how God put us together (John 1:1-3), but He also wore our flesh and knows our frailties (John 1:14). That being said, Jesus takes a definite stand on our inclination to worry and His Father’s faithfulness to provide for His children.

Read Matthew 6:25-34

What is Jesus’ stand on the subject of worry?

How would you define worry?

Do you struggle with worry?

Check the statement that most closely describes you:
__ I can’t help it that I worry, it is simply my nature. (I come from a long line of worriers!)
__I do occasionally worry, but when I realize it, I give my concern to God in prayer.
__Worry is not something I struggle with.
__Other – I would say …

What specifically in this passage does Jesus tell us not to worry about? Do you think that there is a difference between general concern and worrying about our life, food and clothing? Explain.

How is planning for our future different from worrying about it?

The references to the “birds of the air” and “the lilies of the field” are especially meaningful to us. These would not be birds that are cared for by man, and the lilies are not grown in gardens. Both of these creations of God are dependent solely upon His provision and accomplish what they are created for … to be a bird and bloom in season.

What are the birds not able to do for themselves?

Whose job is it to provide for the birds?

Why should that realization bring us peace about God’s provision for us?

In verse 32, what assurance does Jesus give us concerning our needs?

How can we separate our needs from our wants?

How are we told in verse 33 to order our lives?

What does “His Kingdom” and “His righteous” mean to you?

Constant worry causes us to miss out on today, and it hinders our Christian witness. (Think about it - why would anyone want to hear about your Savior and Lord, if, all you do is worry about everything?!) You can’t have faith and worry at the same time. Worrying is a choice and so is trusting. Choose wisely.

Where's My Bailout "Gotta Serve Somebody"?

Encounters "Authentic Faith"