Curb Your Worry By…

Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for  tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. -Jesus
Matthew 6:32-34 (NLT)
 
What does it mean to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (as the NIV translates it)?
 
What does that look like in everyday life?
 
In a sermon entitled Do Not Worry, Andy Stanley, pastor at North Point Community Church in Atlanta, suggests ‘seek first’ means this:
 
Participate in what God is doing right now.
 
If you believe God knows your name and your heart, then He also knows your needs better than you do. Put your head down and busy yourself with the things you have control over today. Tomorrow is out of your control. Instead of worrying about the future, focus on today (prepare, work, study, save, communicate), and trust God for tomorrow.
 
Dr. Stanley also recommends that when you catch yourself worrying, look outside yourself to others. Participate in the things that break God’s heart. Pray for someone else who might have similar concerns.
 
When you’re worried about this month’s grocery bill, the mortgage, college tuition, or your retirement, pray for those living in homeless shelters or support an organization that feeds them.
 
When you’re worried whether your child will get the best teacher, make the A team, resist peer pressure, or be accepted to the college of choice, write an encouraging note to someone who has lost a loved one.
 
There is work to do today. There will be more work tomorrow.
 
What worries you? Could participating in God’s Kingdom work
curb that worry?
 
#SeedsOfScripture #KingdomWork #worried

2 Comments

  1. CHERRILYNN BISBANO on October 14, 2015 at 9:23 AM

    Dr. Stanley is one wise man. I do many of the things he suggests when I worry. I praise and thank God for all He has already done. Thank you for the reminder.

    • CathyChung on October 15, 2015 at 9:44 AM

      I rarely worry anymore, whereas I used to lie awake at night with my head spinning. I assess whether I have any control/impact on the situation. If I do, I take action. If I don't, I let it go. Letting my imagination go to the worst possible outcome won't change the actual outcome. It will just make me crazy. This goes for when my kids are new drivers. My 'worry' then becomes more about how to handle a situation – with prayer of course.
      I LOVE Dr. Stanley's suggestion to think outward, beyond yourself. I think that gives perspective on your problems vs. 'real' problems. Giving and serving always feel good.

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