Victory Over Worry

Victory Over Worry Part 1

Not sure who wrote this lesson, but Grandmother's has handwritten notes all over it! I know worry was a problem in her life. She struggled daily with worry. I think I inherited that trait because I really need this lesson today since I am close to freaking out over my new job!

Key of Lesson - We live in a world of worry. Thoreau asks the question in Brute Neighbors "Why will men worry themselves Se?" This is also the question for today. Why, oh why do men who believe in the sovereignty of God worry so?

Little worries! There are no "little worries". Worry is WORRY and it is driving people mad being largely responsible for the alarming increase of lunacy and suicide. Trouble, anxiety, vexations of mind characterize our modern life, and worry seems to be the most common and natural thing to do. But why worry? The Italian proverb has it: "A hundred hours of worry will not pay a farthings worth of debt." Worry, as we shall see, is the most useless, unnecessary and harmful way out of anguish.

I. The Cause of Worry
A. As the physician strives to get at roots of disease and apply a remedy, let us get at the source of the dread disease of worry.

B. In our age many diseases could be prevented only if people would take means to do so.

C. Worry does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, but robs today of its strength.

D. Why do multitudes choose to live in dark shadows when they can bask in the sunshine of a heavenly Father's care and provision?

E. God is the only answer to the worried, troubled mind. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." Isaiah 26:3

F. A table of rough approximation of what most people worry about may help you eliminate some of your worries. Provided by Margaret McCordie, University of Wisconsin:
1. Things that never happen - 40%
2. Things over and past that couldn't be changed by all the worry in the world - 30%
3. Petty Worries - 10%
4. Needless health worries - 12%
5. Real, legitimate worries - 8%

G. Only one thing wrong; with child of God there is no real legitimate worry. Christian worry - living in wrong type climate. Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation - In Me Peace"

H. In examining the root causes of worry, it would seem as if they come under three general heads:
1. The Cares of Life
a. Common to mortal life - home cares, business, health, advancing age, excessive labor, money matters, loved ones, church work, ---all produce a great deal of present day worry.
b. Yes, everything that comes along makes for itself a new opportunity for everyone to worry. The responsibilities of life are not meant to become a heavy burden, but an opportunity to fulfill our purposes in life.
c. Carlyle said, "Give me the man who can sing at his work." Let us make up our minds not to let responsibility overwhelm us.
d. Usually it is the accumulation of little loads that we worry about. Don't worry; it may never happen!!
e. Our lives become joyless, and tasks burdensome because of worry.
f. The habit of worry, when formed, is difficult to break.
g. "Why worry about tomorrow; It's always a day away!

2. The Atmosphere of the World
a. Another cause - our presence in a world of worry.
b. Worry is of the world; like a fever - contagious.
c. We as Christians become like the company that we keep. People who worry constantly should be segregated. Should be confined to a colony to themselves.
d. A Godless world worries. We, however, breathe a different atmosphere. A worrying Christian hinders others from becoming Christians.
e. World is as we see it. Two men in prison - one looked out and saw the stars; the other looked out and saw the mud of the ground.
f. In spite of all outer strife, is there a song in your heart? Psalm 118:24 - This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

3. The Ignorance of God
a. Another cause of worry is our ignorance of the Biblical revelation of God.
b. Darkness, despair possess a soul without faith in God.
c. God is our "hidden source of calm repose."
d. John Bunyan 's Pilgrim's Progress depicts Little-Faith being "robbed not of his jewels, but of his ready money." He is always worried, not because of jewels, but because of inner peace which he lacks.
e. He is a pilgrim going through life as a spiritual pauper; consequently, the people that he meets are impressed only by his poverty.
f. Today we have many Little-Faiths - easily identified, for they grumble over little things.
g. Jesus said take no anxious thought of the morrow...or not to worry about tomorrow.
h. Jesus said that all things work together for the good of them that love God and are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
i. Thus, we are to look through our cares to God. Christ is the answer!!

To Be Continued.....The Curse of Worry