Sermon Notes - January 31, 2021
“I’m Not Okay”: Anxiety - Brian Becker
Our theme verse comes from Psalm 43:5 from King David - who on the outside seemed to have it all together - after all he was king. Finances were the least of his worries. He was anointed by God. And yet David openly confesses:“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me?”
The question we’re asking in this series, and the question that I hope can be answered for you is: What do we do when darkness comes?
If you’re not ok, you’re not just welcome here. You belong here. And together we discover the hope and help that you need and that we all deserve.
The wonderful, wonderful truth that we CAN cling to in this moment and “When the darkness comes” is that darkness does not have to have the final word.
Anxiety: noun.
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
A nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior and/or panic attacks.
Put plainly: Anxiety is when fear takes over your mind.
Anxiety is driven by the words: “What if…” and “What now…”
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Steve Cuss said in a recent podcast I listened to. He wrote the book “Managing Leadership Anxiety” and he said this in his interview: “My life has been transformed spiritually by understanding that my chronic anxiety is not about merely more Bible study or more prayer…The problem with western Christianity is that our solution is too often “try harder.” Prayer life not working? Pray more! I’m one of the few pastors that say “sometimes prayer is the worst thing you can do.” All that happens is your chronic anxiety grabs prayer and turns it into another legalistic solution.”
Philippians 4:1-5
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those whose spirits are crushed.”
Philippians 4:6-8
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Anxiety says “What if”, but Peace says “What is”
Philippians 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Ansley Taylor: Anxiety is a thief. She distracts you from living in the present. She whispers worries that swirl in your mind. She thrives by lying and creating chaos. You try to ignore Anxiety and push her away, but she follows you persistently, inviting herself over. Anxiety enjoys the company of Sadness and Fear. Her dark presence looms over you, interrupting you when you speak. Anxiety shoves Peace away as she knocks on your door. She is the storm that eradicates the calm sea. Her presence distracts, making you tense. She follows you like an unwanted memory that you can’t escape. She hovers around you, never fleeting from your side. She loves to ask “what if?” Anxiety hates the unknown but loves to make you fear it. Her words spread like poison infecting everyone around her. You try to escape her grip but her claws dig deeper into your skin and as you resist. Anxiety loves to whisper “You aren’t good enough” and “You have no future.” Her favorite pastime is to isolate you locking you in the chaos of your mind. Anxiety is a liar, you can stand your ground and tell her to leave. She will not win the battle over peace.
Psalm 94:17-19
“Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”