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MATTHEW 6 and WORRY Part 2 Charles Hodges MD |
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1. PRAY!! {Philippians 4:6} 2. Rejoice that you have a difficulty because God will use it to reveal something about your heart (verse 4) and bring about something good (Romans 8:28-29) - the development of more Christlike character in you. 3. Let your GENTLENESS be evident to all (verse 5). Don't let the circumstances determine your behavior, but let the Bible (and the Holy Spirit) determine it. ("Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice). 4. DO NOT worry. DO NOT be anxious about anything (verse 6). This is a command. The Greek word for worry actually means to have a divided mind. ● Since we are commanded not to worry, therefore, it is SIN, which is actually good news for us because we can confess sin. We choose to do it. It is not a disease or condition over which we have no control. Worry is ruminating (repetitive thing about something that you can do nothing about). Ask God's forgiveness, and then ask Him to help you think about things you CAN do something about. ● What God has commanded He will enable us to do if we ask in faith (James 1:2-8). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us. (Ephesians 2:20)! ● Dr. Hodges Drill: Instead of worrying continuously, only allow yourself to pray about the situation three times a day ONLY: morning, noon, and bedtime. In between as soon as you recognize you are worrying: 1. STOP it. 2. Confess it 3. Ask God's forgiveness 4. Ask for His enablement and strength to think about something else 5. Recite Philippians 4:4-9 6. The sooner you start doing this, the shorter time lapses become between starting and stopping each worry "outbreak" ● There is a Biblical precedent for asking God for a better situation or solution (but limit this to only 3x per day) because Jesus did so in the garden of Gesthemene ("If it be possible let this cup pass...nevertheless, not my will but yours be done"). BUT: you must be willing to persevere, be willing to stick it out if God doesn't have a different agenda. 5. We are promised that the PEACE OF GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds if we do these things (verse 7). ● Caution: to allow yourself to think about counterproductive scenarios (like "what if's") will retard the work God is doing in your heart and prohibit you from being engaged in your responsibilities. 6. Think about whatever things you CAN do something about (normal concerns) that you CAN do something about. Worry is over things you can't do anything about. Think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy (verse 8). 7. DO the things you should (verse 9) whether you feel like it or not. This means housework, devotions, exercise, eating right, caring for husband and family, attending Church, using your gifts. Don't baby yourself! Keep busy doing what you should be doing. If you don't fulfill your responsibilities during the day, you won't sleep at night. HINT: If you can't sleep, pray for others when you wake up, not yourself (constitutes worry). He's found the devil doesn't want us doing this and usually gives up pretty quick if we pray for others. |