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Anxiety and Trust


What is anxiety?
The Greek word for thought here is: merimnaó which means, to be anxious about, to be troubled with cares, to care for.

Generally speaking, anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or uneasiness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

Jesus not only teaches us about anxiety, but also about trust and why we can trust Him for all things we have need of.

Definition of Trust:
(n) confidence, belief, faith, certainty, assurance, conviction, credence; reliance;
(v) believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.


Not all anxiety is the same...

  • everyday anxiety
  • anxiety disorder
  • anxiety produced by chronic pain


Living in an Age of Epidemic Anxiety
God can settle our hearts in such a way that we can live with the stresses of life yet still experience His peace and joy.

Anxiety is Not Just a Contemporary Problem
Psalm 37:7-8 says, “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret.”

In Matthew 6:25-34, His solutions sound so simple, yet we still struggle to apply them. Anxiety is a condition in which the mind is being pulled in two directions.


Five Causes and Five Cures for Anxiety

  1. Feelings of inadequacy
    - look to the birds. Matt. 6:26
    If God cares so much for them, we can be certain that He will be faithful to meet our needs as well.

  2. Our attempt to change things we cannot control
    - allow God back into the pilot’s seat.
    Matt. 6:27
    When we try to control them, we are demonstrating unbelief and multiplying the intensity of our pain and frustration.

  3. Our failure to trust God to provide our needs
    - consider the flowers. Matt. 6:28-31
    When we worry that our needs won’t be met, we demonstrate a lack of faith in God.

  4. Misplaced priorities
    - be kingdom seekers. Matt. 6:32-33
    He knows exactly what is best for us, as well as how and when to provide it.

  5. Trying to live tomorrow today
    - trust God because He's already there.
    Matt. 6:34
    Planning ahead is good, but sometimes our overloaded calendars lead to an overwhelming sense of time pressure.



Questions to consider:

What kind of situations or issues cause you to worry or feel anxious?

Do you tend to worry more about what’s happening now, or what could happen in the future?

Review the five causes of anxiety that are found in Jesus’ sermon in Matthew 6:25-34. Which of them do you struggle with the most?

How can you apply Jesus’ recommendations for overcoming habitual worry?

What are the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of continually carrying a load of anxiety?

What changes do you need to make in your thought patterns, activities, and prayers in order to be free from worry?


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