Current Sunday Messages
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Message: “The Troubles of Today”
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-34
How often you have heard people say “Stress (Worry) never killed anyone”? If we listen to physicians, researchers, and psychologists, the information concerning the effects of stress is contrary to this cliche’. We now know that stress or worry causes such things as high blood pressure, various anxieties, heart attacks, confusion, and even suicide. Our inability to handle stress has led to the development of a multi-million dollar business of medicines and books. So, why do we worry so much?
In an AARP Bulletin a survey was conducted asking subscribers to describe their strategy for coping with stress. The responses ranged from eating “a chocolate chip cookie to having a stiff drink”. One gentleman noted that every January 1st he gives his wife $1.00 and she worries about everything for both of them!”
The Bible speaks to us about worry on a number of occasions. Here in Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus speaks clearly about it. We like to refer to worry in a more gentle way by referring to it as a “concern, a burden, or a cross to bear”. Either way it causes us significant problems. Think of the Israelites standing on the shore of the Red Sea, the Egyptian army bearing down upon them. They were complaining to Moses about their impending suffering and death, but he calmly stands there facing the Sea. Moses’ faith and trust in the Lord God was amazing in spite of the Israelites and the Egyptians.
Our passage of Scripture reveals that worry is contrary to the will and plan of God. The hard facts are that worry is sinful because it reveals our lack of faith and trust in God and it pulls us apart from Him. Matthew 6:34 says, “Do not worry about tomorrow”. The Greek translation expresses this thought, “Do not be drawn in different directions.” Worry draws us away from God as we seek material things to solve our problems. Our problems are often caused by our poor decisions, bad habits, and sometimes by others. Let’s begin by taking responsibility for our troubles, then really trusting God. Is Matthew 11:28 and Romans 8:28 meaningless? The Lord wants to be a part of our lives and we must come to him, not just because we are in trouble, but daily.
There are three key words in this passage. The first is faith(30) trusting God to meet our needs. Philippians 4:13,19. The second is Father(32)–knowing that God cares for and about His children. I John 3:1. The third is First(33)–putting God first in every aspect of our life each day. Picking God up on Sunday as we go to church is not enough. Are you with Him everyday?
I Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety upon Him for He cares for you.” As you pray, seek godly counsel from your pastor or a solid Christian friend who will pray with you. Live with His peace!
—Rev. Reginald Thomas