Peace in the storm 2

Last week, we started talking about peace in the storm.  So we will continue along that theme this week.  This is part of the sermon on the mount, but it always speaks to me every time I read it.  I do struggle with worry.  I may even like to worry.  I really need to let go of worry and trust in His peace. That is really the only thing that works.

Matthew 6:25-34

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than food, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin;
29 and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Therefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed?
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things.) For your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the affliction thereof.

Thoughts:
Worry is another form of fear.  Worry is fearing what might or might not happen.  It is really the opposite of peace and trust.  Worry does not change our situations, in fact it actually makes things worse.  When we worry, we begin to stress out, which can lead to physical problems, irritability, arguing, etc.  That is definitely not helpful.  God does not want us to worry, Just like we studied last week.  He wants us to trust Him for all things. He gives strength, love and a sound mind.

Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
When we have worry, we can cast it on the Lord. He will keep us firm and take care of all the needs.
I grew up with a wonderful lady named Edith Mayes in our church. She was an amazing prayer warrior and role model of what a powerful Christian should be.  She told about a time that they were out of food and had no money to buy food at all. Her husband and her prayed. She got up in the morning and put on a pot of water and started it to boil.  Her kids were asking what she would cook. She said, "God will provide."  There was  knock on the door.  When they opened the door, someone had brought them rice and some other groceries.  He delivered and provided.

Philippians 4:6-7 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

We don't need to worry, all we have to do is ask and make our requests known before God.  He is good and will provide. He knows what we need and He has it ready to deliver.

Questions:
1. Have I let worry control me?

2. Has worrying helped?

3. Has God provided for me and have I remembered to thank Him?

4. Can I exercise self-control in my thoughts but choosing to put aside worry and choose peace and trust instead?

Help me Lord to really trust you and not worry about things I really can't control anyway.  You are really the one who is in control and You are the one who provides for all my needs. Thank you Jesus.