God's Antidote For Worry

Introduction:

“Every system in your body is affected by worry.”

(McCoy, www.pioneerthing.com/trauma.html,1) It can affect your breathing, liver, stomach and even your skin through rash or itch. In one website, they asked the question what should you do to conquer worry? I found it interesting that the first thing they said to do was, “Talk to Someone.” (Ibid, 1) Because when you do you identify the cause of it.

God knew that today in 2006, people would battle worry. In AD 62, the Apostle Paul wrote from a prison cell, God’s Antidote for worry, in two short verses. In these two verses, he gives us a two point antidote for defeating worry. It is amazing that when you take the two antidotes together they form a principle for daily Christian living.

Transitional Statement: The first point of this antidote is ...

I. Your Prayer Goes Up To God - v. 6

A. At a Specific Season - “in everything”

1.) I Thess. 5:17

2.) Daily struggles and strengths

B. For a Specific Reason - “prayer and supplication”

1.) Supplication means “a wanting, a need.” (Vines, "Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testement Words",481)

2.) Tell God all your problems. He knows what you need before you ask Him. (Matt. 6:32) But He wants you to come to Him and see Him as the supplier.(Phil. 4:19; James 4:2; i.e. Jehovah-Jireh)

C. With a Specific Thanksgiving - “with thanksgiving

1.) Tell God - THANK YOU!

2.) Dr. Charles Stanley writes, “God answers prayers in one of four ways: 1. Yes. 2. No. 3. Wait. 4. My grace is sufficient.” (Stanley, "Hanbook for Christian Living",495)

3.) I Thess. 5:18

Transitional Statement: First of all your prayer goes up to God and the second part of this principle is ...

II. God’s Peace Comes Down to You - v. 7

A. “The Peace of God”

1.) This is not man’s peace of riches, luxury, fame, pride, self and etc.

2.) Peace that calms stormy waters and troubled hearts.

B. “Surpasses all understanding”

1.) Romans 11:33

2.) It is something that is hard to explain. But I will say that I have experienced on more than one occasion.

C. “Shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

1.) Guard has the idea of “keep in custody.”

2.) The hearts and mind speak of the inner life.

3.) True peace is only found in Christ.

Conclusion:

God’s Antidote for Worry is pray to Him! When your prayer goes up to God, God’s peace will come down to you. James 4:8, “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.” You enter the throne room of heaven through prayer, telling God all about your worries. You will leave with the peace of God reigning in your heart.

“Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace,

Coming down from the Father above;

Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,

In fathomless billows of love.”

- “Wonderful Peace” by W.D. Cornell