1. Stop Worrying and Start Living Stop Worrying and Start Living Part 2: Overcoming Worry

2. What Is Worry? “Worry” comes from the Gr. word merimnao translated “take thought” or “care”; from merizo, “to divide” and nous, the “mind”; lit. “the mind drawn in opposite directions; divided; pulled apart” (anxious, worry) “Worry” is care over things that one cannot control or change (Mt. 6:27, 34; 10:19-20)

3. What Is Worry? Many worry over what has already happened in the past (past mistakes) Many worry over what has not yet happened in the future or what will never happen Many worry over what will inevitably happen (old age, death) Many worry over what is happening now but is trivial

4. Why Worry Is A Sin It is disregard for the command of God: “Be not anxious” (Mt. 6:24-34; Phil. 4:6) It chokes the working of God’s word (Lk. 8:14) It distracts us from doing what is important now; setting proper priorities today; a futile waste of time (Lk. 10:38-42) It keeps us from be ready for the Lord’s return (Lk. 21:34-36)

5. Why Worry Is A Sin It keeps us from a happy and peaceful life; it impairs good mental and physical health (Phil. 4:4-7; note that “worry” comes from an Old English word meaning “to strangle”) – Mental: stress, fear, suspicion, nervous breakdown, despair, drugs, alcohol, suicide, etc. – Physical: high blood pressure, insomnia, low energy, headaches, hypertension, hives, ulcers, etc. It keeps us from prayer (Phil. 4:6)

6. How To Overcome Worry Make up your mind to conquer it; put the “worry” thoughts away (2 Cor. 10:5) Learn what it means to really put God first; engage in his work; focus on more worthy objects of care (Eccl. 12:13; Mt. 6:24ff; 1 Cor. 12:25; 2 Cor. 11:28; Phil. 2:20) Learn what it means to really put your faith and trust in God and his word (Mt. 6:30; Psa. 46:1,6; 119:24)

7. How To Overcome Worry Live a day (or moment) at a time (Mt. 6:34) Take it to the Lord in prayer (2 K. 19:14; Psa. 55:22; Phil. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:7) Live a life free from the guilt and shame of sin – the life “in the Lord” (Phil. 3:7-16; 4:4,7)

8. Stop Worrying & Start Living Many, including Christians, are wealthy, healthy, intelligent, advanced; yet, they are paralyzed by worry and anxiety, they are robbed of their peace of mind In many cases, we don’t need a tranquilizer or psychiatrist, we need to stop worrying