Lesson 7
Cures For Fear & Worry
August 05, 2007
Bro. Gary Johnson
Adult Sunday School
Matthew 6:26-34
We are actually through with the causes of worry/anxiety in this study from the sources that I announced I was using as references in the beginning of these lessons but we are studying a current times subject not a historical one. Therefore as we have seen from some other items we have looked at that were in current publications and periodicals that had articles on this matter of worry. The current issue of Time Magazine actually dated August 13th next week has an article on the subject that did include a type of worry that we had not mentioned from other materials that we have used, Titled “When Worry Hijacks the Brain” It talks about the issue of “obsessive compulsive disorder” (OCD) which I had heard of but had not considered it an item of worry. The article discusses those people that wash their hands continuously in a fear of getting germs (worry) people that check to see if they have locked the door over and over before they will leave (anxious) people that have a fear of injuring others by their actions or sharp things and refuse to have them around more reason that the world accepts as causes of people having anxiety attacks or in general being worried way beyond normal concern. This article claims that this problem affects some 7 million people in the U. S.
While we are talking about being up with current events today’s Chicago Tribune, Sunday August 5, 2007, there is a lead article in one section titled “Getting a grip on anxiety”
This article says that with all of the “fears” from crowded “L’s”, drug resistant infections, global warming, and terrorism and many other things to stress you out that it is no wonder that you can not sleep at night. It goes on to say that some 40 million people have an anxiety disorder. The gist of the gist in this article is that is normal and that was why it was being written to help one fight back against all the reasons we have to lose control. Not surprisingly prayer as we have been studying was not one of the ways they thought would help you cope. They made suggestions like cut back on the triple espresso, learn to breath deeply, exercise, and to schedule worry time so that you can get it over with and it does not consume your whole day. They also recap the article by saying “Don’t beat up on yourself” because you are anxious because it is OK and everybody else is too. Of course since this article came from the world it blames evolution as part of the cause saying, “Our species evolved as prey, not predators, so our central nervous system is designed (I am surprised they used that word) to watch for trouble and be suspicious. The closing remark was not to get mad at yourself for giving in to anxiety, or then you would have to worry about worrying, which the author says is worse than the original worry.
The last article I want to cover in our current events section today is from the August issue of Diabetes Forcast the magazine put out by the American Diabetes Association. I know you are aware of the new “continuous glucose monitors” because I have mentioned them so much in prayer requests because I think I need one and out insurance company has been saying it is a want not a need and that they are not going to cover or even help pay for it. Well this article does go on to say what a great item this is and explains how it works and that they are even considering them for kids now because of how much help they believe they will be towards better control. It does say that they are expensive you first of all must have the almost $7,000 pump and then this attachment is another $999 to $1,399 not mention a months supply of the sensors to make it function will run and additional $350 a month. Further down in the article it does say “The devices are only available by prescription. No major insurance carriers cover, CGM’s at this time (that is what Aetna has been telling me too). Insurance coverage could be 2 to 3 years away. Well again as you know and I thank all of you that have been praying (not worrying about it) with us that our insurance company would change their mind. Therefore I am happy to show you what they look like as I am wearing mine for the first time today.
In Psalm 37 often referred to as the “Fretters Psalm” David addresses this problem of anxiety. Psalm 37:1-40, “<<A Psalm of David.>> Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 7 ¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. 13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. 15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. 18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. 21 ¶ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. 22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. 26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. 27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. 28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. 29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. 30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. 32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. 33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. 34 ¶ Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. 35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. 36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. 37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. 38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. 39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.”
Notice that David is trying to get a point across by saying DO NOT FRET 3 times and every time he tells us not to fret he, also tells us what to do instead of worrying and getting upset. Vs 3, vs 5 and vs 7. Verses 3 and 5 say Trust in Him and verse 7 says, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself.”
Rest and wait
Yes what this tells us is that faith is the antidote to anxiety or worry.
One would think that with all of this Biblical evidence of what our problem is, and the cause of that we would learn what it is saying. Note I did just say WE not YOU when I made that statement. It is saying that we allow ourselves to worry because we are lacking in our faith. If we want to overcome our anxiety we must increase our faith.
Let now claim a couple more promises from God’s word and see if we can proceed to accomplish this task that seems to be lacking or we would not be worrying now. First 1 John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” And Ephesians 6:16 tells us “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” And then in Romans 15:13 we get the promises: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Yes in the scriptures it is clear that God’s peace is directly connected to faith.
So now let us shift gears and using more of my souces for this study including along with God’s word books like “Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges. “Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety”, plus I am not setting aside Wayne Mack’s “Down but not Out” In fact I will start by using a sub chapter title from that book. You may note that this a shorter list of references than I originally announced as I have depleted some sources however these still have a lot more to offer and I can use all the help I can get.
How to get a Faith Lift
Since faith is the key to overcoming anxiety, how then do we increase it? How do we increase our dependence on God in a practical way so that we experience worry less and less?
The first of four steps we will look at is: we can strengthen our faith through worship and prayer. Paul taught this in Philippians 4:6-7. A couple of verses we have quoted before: Vs: 6, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Vs 7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
This is another reminder of the put off put on teachings we first need to put off the worry and replace it by putting on the worship. The word that is translated “prayer” in verse 6 includes the idea of worship. In the Bible there are a number of words used to describe “prayer” and this particular one is a broad term that refers to the whole aspect of worship and all that it involves, including prayer. Therefore, Paul is essentially saying, “Don’t worry, worship!”
Why is worship an appropriate response to anxiety/worry? When we worship God, we recognize and declare His worthiness. We think about and praise Him for His majesty, His glory, and His holiness. In truth, when we forget the worthiness of God, it is then that we lose faith and begin to experience anxiety. Consider the example of the prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah was a man that loved God and loved his people. He was “distressed” (a cause of worry/anxiety) by the rampant sin, immorality, and idolatry that he saw around him (one cause of worry we have mentioned is peers). He sensed that God was righteously angry with these people for their sin’s and about to judge them (additional fear another source of worry). At this time Uzziah was king of Judah and according to scripture “He did right in sight of the Lord” (2 Chronicles’ 26:4). As a result, the Lord blessed him during his reign and he became a powerful and wealthy king. Then Uzziah sinned against the Lord. But when he became strong his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly (26:16). God judged Uzziah’s pride by afflicting him with leprosy and Uzziah soon died. When Uzziah died Isaiah was grieved by the loss of his king and (probably) anxious about the fate of his people. Isaiah went to the temple to worship and when he did, he saw a vision of the Almighty God, high and lifted up (Isaiah 6:1) Isaiah heard the angels singing, vs 3 Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts. : the whole earth is full of his glory. What happened we see God graciously taking Isaiah’s eyes off of himself and his troubles and put them where they belonged, on Him. The result Isaiah’s faith grew and he was able to change the focus from being “worried” to serving God. Vs 8: Then said I, Here am I; send me.
We see similar situation in Acts 4 The apostles were ordered not to preach, Vs 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. Then in Vs 21 they got harder to get along with and attempted to scare them even more; So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, That could have been considered reason to worry. They did seed counsel in vs 23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. Followed by prayer and worship in vs 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: And after prayer and worship there had put off the worry and put on the word of God with boldness: vs 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Yes again we see that worship was an effective response to anxiety/worry.
Psalm 46:10 says: Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
If we want to be free of anxiety/worry, we must learn to stand in awe of God. Take time to be still, to meditate on God, to pray and worship, and let our hearts be filled with the knowledge of His greatness and His glory. When we do this there is no room left for the anxiety (we took off) because our faith (what we put on) ihas taken over the space previously filled with the worry.
Throughout the book of Revelation, we are given many glimpses into heaven. One of the things repeatedly described in these glimpses is the constant worship that is taking place. One thing that is not mentioned is anyone worrying or being anxious. God’s people and all creatures of heaven are continuously praising and worshiping Him. There is no time or place or reason to be anxious or worry. Someday the things of this earth (the things we worry about) marriages, family relationships, providing for daily needs, even the work of evangelism will all come to an end, but we will never stop worshiping God.
Therefore, since worship is something that we will be doing in heaven for all eternity, how much more importance should we place on it now! Not only should worship be a regular practice of our lives as believers, but also in light of Paul’s instructions we ought to especially train ourselves to worship when we find ourselves being tempted to worry or be anxious. Call it practice if you like that term. When our focus is on the greatness of God, the troubles of this world do become very small.
The second step we will study is: Supplication. In Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. This word supplication speaks of the attitude with which we should be approaching God. Paul was instructing us to come to God with earnestness, with humility, and with a sense of our complete dependence on Him. Our attitude should be the same as that of the publican in Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. We should recognize our selves (as the publican did) as not being owed anything by God but wrath and punishment.
One of the causes of worry that we have discussed in previous weeks was “self-ism” being consumed with ourselves and our interests. In today’s vernacular we call it an EGO problem. This attitude leads to anxiety as circumstances show us that the world is not revolving around us as we know it should and not everything is under our control. In order to overcome our anxiety this attitude of pride has to be replaced with humility. We need to admit our sin and our need for God’s grace. This would be in the attitude of supplication that Paul is instructing us to do.
The third step we will examine is to give thanks, back to Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” When we get concerned/worried our minds are focused on the negative aspects of our circumstances. (Woe is ME) Paul instructs us to focus on the positive aspects instead. Remember he said in 1st Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” And in Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” and in Philippians 4”4 He exclaims “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
As believers we do have countless things to thank God for even when our circumstances may not be exactly as we planed that they should be.
Let us count our Blessings!!
We have salvation that no one can take away from us. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. We have complete forgiveness of all of our sins Colossians 2:13 “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;” We have been blesses with all spiritual blessings in Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” We have been given an inheritance and the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:11-13 Vs 11 “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:”
Vs 12 “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ”.
Vs 13 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,” Yes Count your Blessings for all of these things and many more we ought to be able to give thanks all of the time.
Some of those many more include being thankful; for God’s promise to strengthen us, help us, and uphold us. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” And Isaiah 54:17 promises “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” And we can not forget Romans 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” This list could go on and on and I am sure even if I tried to list them all some of you would remind me of some that I forgot. Like Philippians 1:6 , and James 1:2-4. Yes we do have a lot of blessings to count.