Sermon Snippet –Worry or Peace – Take Your Pick
INTRODUCTION – Today’s message should be a short one, for it is about worry. Since none of us worry much, there is not much for me to say. However, just in case any of us might worry a bit, perhaps in the far distant future, we will consider the subject. Studies have determined that only about 8% of our fears have some legitimacy (I wonder if the researchers stressed out about meeting deadlines) meaning that most of our worries are not based upon fact. Philippians 4:6-7 is a well-known text on this subject.
1. NOT EVERYTHING IS A CRISIS
Verse 6 tells us that being “careful” (anxious) is not good for us. (As an aside, “anxious” and “eager” are not synonyms; in fact, they are antonyms. I am an old English teacher, and it is one of my pet peeves that the two words are sometimes used interchangeably. Trepidation and anticipation are not the same.) Others will try to manipulate us and control us by manufacturing crisis after crisis. The pagan rulers of our country follow in the fear-mongering footsteps of past pagan leaders. Two such Biblical examples (of many) are found in Daniel. The familiar account of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (3:1-30) tells us that these men would not bow down to an image of the dictator. Was this a national crisis? Were the foundations of the kingdom of Babylon tottering? No, and no. Later, Daniel was arrested for – cover the ears of the women and children – praying three times a day (6:1-28). Did one man praying merit the full force of a vindictive government and the death penalty? Obviously, no. When I hear of the newest crisis – always greater than the last one and more of an existential threat – I straighten my aging backbone, dig in my aching heels, and refuse to be controlled by worry. 92% then disappears.
2. LET US DEAL BIBLICALLY WITH THE OTHER 8% OF CRISES
God is good. He provides antidotes to the world’s poisonous promulgation of worry. First, we are to actively rejoice in all of the good things that God has graciously granted to us (Philippians 4:4). Second, we are to remember the Lord’s immediate presence with us (verse 5). Third, we are to pray about the matters that do concern us (verse 6); Christians are realists, and there is no sense to pretend that hardships do not exist. We find relief in prayer; we also find answers. Fourth, we are to appreciate God’s best (the meaning of “peace” in verse 7), which includes the feeling of peacefulness. Fifth, we are to consciously focus our attention on God’s consistent blessings (verse 8). Sixth, we are to “do” these good things, to decide to engage actively in God’s best to us (verse 9). At the very least, we won’t be spending all of our time and energy on worry if we follow these clear and considerate commands.
3. THE REAL CRISIS IS A SPIRITUAL ONE
One reason for the prevalence of crisis in our culture is the deflection from the one crisis that each person faces. Each one of us needs God’s best for eternity “through Christ Jesus” (verse 7). We must have Jesus as Savior to live forever in heaven.
CONCLUSION – Take your pick: worry or peace.