The door to Fear

"So far as is known, no bird ever tried to build more nests than its neighbor; no fox ever fretted because he had only one hole in which to hide; no squirrel ever died of anxiety lest he should not lay by enough nuts for two winters instead of one, and no dog ever lost any sleep over the fact that he did not have enough bones laid aside for his declining years.”

Luke 12:23–31

Jesus warns us to not allow worry (anxiety) to control us. Food, clothing, shelter, etc. are all legitimate concerns, but to move to anxiety will not help and most likely hurt. Many read this passage but miss the end:

“For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”

God knows our needs and desires to meet them, yet, He also knows what is most important! Spiritual health produces all the other health.

Fear of the Lord is good; fear of sickness is also healthy. If balanced, it will lead to wise decisions. However, worry (Anxiety) is the doorway to fear! Anxiety exposes a lack of Trust in the Lord. If allowed to take root it will create an unhealthy Fear!

"Someone has said, 'Worry is a thin stream of fear that trickles through the mind, which, if encouraged, will cut a channel so wide that all other thoughts will be drained out.'"    

 Dr. W.C. Alvarez, the stomach specialist at the Mayo Clinic said: 80 percent of the stomach disorders that come to us are not organic, but functional. Wrong mental and spiritual attitudes throw functional disturbances into digestion. Most of our ills are caused by worry and fear, and it is my experience that faith is more important than food in the cure of stomach ulcers."

Scripture gives us the formula of how to approach our problems:

Philippians 4:6–7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

Anxious means: To be divided or distracted. It comes down to Trusting God or Trusting Circumstances.

Consider our verse: “Nothing”, that means ZERO, not almost ZERO!

“Prayer” is a dialogue, not a monologue, having a conversation with the Lord using His Word.

“Supplication” these are urgent needs; fervent.

“Thanksgiving” not only for what God is going to do but for the situation that He allowed! This shows our trust (faith) in Him.

Why do we get anxious?

1. We do not believe God is really in control.

2. We believe the enemy’s lie…God is mean

Psalm 103:8–10 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.

3. We do not accept the Truth of Romans 8:28. “Everything” is brought together by God to work for the ultimate good.

What’s the outcome: Peace

Not - some feeling or emotion, but a sense of Calm; A Confidence that He will lead you;

An understanding that He will use everything in the end for Good!

The so what: We all have moments of anxiety, that’s part of being human. However, we need not have Days of it! Which one is in Charge of your day; Anxiety Or Peace?