Scriptures: Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 6

Be Anxious About Nothing 

I’m so excited for you to begin this study! Anxiety is such a widespread issue, and it’s something I have personally battled in my own life. Thankfully, over the years, God has shown me that it is possible to manage anxiety with His help. 

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches us such an important lesson—to live one day at a time and not to spend any of them worrying about anything. The truth is, when we spend today being anxious or worried about tomorrow, we waste today and accomplish nothing that will change tomorrow! 

Every single day, each one of us deals with circumstances that can be causes for worry. For instance, in recent months, Dave and I have had plenty of opportunities to be worried and anxious… 

First, we had to have our television repaired. We also had a larger gas line put in our home because our generator wasn’t working correctly, and after paying several hundred dollars for it, the generator still doesn’t work as it should. Also, every time we have a really hard rain and the wind blows in a certain direction, we get water in our house. This has gone on for almost two years, and no one can figure out why it happens! 

In addition, I found out I need cataract surgery—it will require two procedures, one on each eye. And in the midst of the two operations, I also have a speaking engagement and have no idea what my eyes will feel like or how well I will be able to see. 

I share this glimpse into my life because I want you to know that challenges happen to everyone—they are a part of life. Worrying about them doesn’t change a thing, except that it steals our peace and joy. 

Any time I have a problem, my first instinct is to worry, but after doing that for a few minutes, I remind myself that I have often traveled the road of worry, and it has never once taken me to my desired destination—peace. It’s never given me a solution to the problems I face. In fact, worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair all day: It keeps you busy but gets you nowhere! 

I think we should all do a little bird watching. This may sound funny, but it is exactly what Jesus suggests we do (see Matthew Chapter 6). Birds are everywhere, so we should not have a hard time watching them. Birds are not nervous, anxious, or worried. They fly around happily waiting for their next meal to appear. The meal may consist of seeds that have fallen from a plant or tree, bird seed that someone has put out because they have a bird feeder, a worm, or some bug on the ground, which God provides for them. 

Matthew 6:26 tells us that God provides for the birds and says that we are more valuable than they are, so why should we doubt that He will provide for us? 

I want to encourage you—don’t be a person of little faith. Have big faith because God knows what you need. It’s so easy to worry about necessities like food, drink, and clothing. And when “life happens” and things go wrong, these are all opportunities to let anxiety fill our hearts. However, peace starts by trusting God to take care of you, knowing that He sees your every need and will always be there to help you. 

Prayer: “Lord, thank You for always taking care of me. Even when my problems are piling up and everything feels like it’s spinning out of control, I know You will provide me with what I need when I need it. Help me to put my faith in You first and take one day at a time. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Scriptures: Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:5, Isaiah 43:19, John 14:6, Matthew 19:26, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:14-15, Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 4:14-15, 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:12-13

God Is in Control 

Today, I want to take a moment to remind you that God is always with you, and He is in control. You are never alone. Because when you accept Jesus as your Savior, He sends His Holy Spirit to live in you…to help and strengthen you at all times—especially when you face trials and difficulties. 

God promises He will never leave or forsake us (see Joshua 1:5). This thought always comforts me, and I pray it comforts you, too! 

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that God is always in control. It’s so tempting to get caught up in what is happening or might happen that we forget that God is with us and has a plan to help us. No matter how hard our situation might feel, we should never despair. To despair means to be utterly without a way, to be quite at a loss and without resources, or to have no hope or to give up. 

I can assure you that no child of God ever needs to despair. The Lord tells us, “…I will make a way in the wilderness and provide rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19 ESV). And later, Jesus declares that He is the way (see John 14:6). 

I remember times when I could not see any way to solve a particular problem, but God made a way. One door may close, but God will always open another one if it does. Believe me when I say that God is never without an answer to any problem we have, and all things are possible with Him (see Matthew 19:26). 

We don’t have to have all the answers to all our problems because God has them, and He is with us. At just the right time, He will reveal what we should do. Be assured that God is in control, that He is good, and that He loves you more than you could ever understand. 

Prayer: “Lord, right now, I lift up every concern in my life and declare that You will make a way! Help me—minute by minute—to remember that You are the One in control. No matter what happens, I know You will take care of me. You have an amazing plan for my life, and there is no situation too difficult for You to handle. Thank You for always being on my side! In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Would you like to begin a relationship with God? If so, I invite you to pray with me right now: 

“Jesus, I know that I have made mistakes, and I need You to save my life—I need You as my Savior. I have tried to do things on my own for too long, and I know it doesn’t work. So, today I give my life to You. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and that You rose from the dead. Help me to live my life for You and You alone. Thank You for Your unending love, forgiveness, grace, and peace in my life. Thank You for a fresh start! Today, I start out my new life as a part of Your family.”

If you just prayed that prayer, I’m so excited to welcome you into God’s family! I have also included some scriptures above to encourage you about your new life in Christ and His great plan for your future. God bless you!

Scriptures: 1 John 5:14, James 4:2

In Case of Emergency…Just Pray! 

Prayer is one of our greatest privileges, and I believe it is essential to overcoming anxiety. Many people try to make it sound more complicated than it is, but prayer is simply talking to God about whatever is in your heart. And as I’ve grown in my relationship with Jesus throughout the years, I’ve come to the place where it continually amazes me. 

I remember saying, “Well, I guess there’s nothing left for me to do but pray.” I hear some people say this today, but this way of thinking is totally misguided. Prayer should never be the last thing we do after we have done everything else we can think of; it should be our first response in every situation. 

I try to remember to pray and ask God to solve my problems the minute they arise. And after studying God’s Word for 45 years and going through many challenging situations, I have definitely learned that one prayer can accomplish more in a moment than I could accomplish in a lifetime. 

Some people do not truly understand prayer. Prayer is not an obligation we are required to fulfill as Christians—it is our greatest privilege. Prayer can be simple yet powerful unless we complicate it through a lack of understanding of what it really is. 

Prayer is simply talking to God, just as we would talk to a good friend. He is all-powerful and wants to help us with every difficulty we face. However, the Bible says that we have not because we ask not (see James 4:2). Too often, we fail to ask Him for what we need, and we suffer for a long time because we look to every other source we know before looking to Him. 

So, I want to encourage you today: Learn to pray immediately when you are anxious or worried about anything. Don’t wait. There’s no reason to because God is available to help you the moment you call upon Him. 

Prayer: “Lord, thank You for caring about every single detail in my life. When problems arise, help me always bring them to You first. It’s so easy to get drawn away from talking to You or push it off because prayer feels too complicated. But I know that it’s as easy as speaking the words and knowing You’re listening and that You care. Thank You for always being available. Help me to make a new habit of running to You with anything and everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Scriptures: 2 Peter 3:9, Acts 16:24-26, Psalms 23:4, Psalms 56:3, Proverbs 3:5-6

“When, God, When?” 

If you haven’t noticed, life is often full of unanswered questions. And when we’ve prayed for God’s help with a situation—and we’re waiting and trusting Him to change things in our lives—it’s easy to ask, “When, God, when?” Even when we reach the place of truly trusting God, we at least want to know when He’ll give us the breakthrough we need. Over the years, I’ve learned that He will eventually do it, but it will be in His way and timing, not ours. 

The story of Paul and Silas in Acts Chapter 16 is a great example. Paul and Silas had been imprisoned with seemingly no way out. However, even in the midst of a desperate situation, the Bible tells us they began singing and praising God at midnight (see Acts 16:24–26). They didn’t know exactly when or how God would help them, but they chose to trust Him and praise Him all the same. Other prisoners were also listening, so Paul and Silas were being good examples to the people around them. 

Then it happened. As Paul and Silas sang and praised God, God suddenly opened the doors to the prison, and they were released. Don’t despair—you suddenly may be on the way! 

Sometimes God delivers us from a situation quickly, but at other times we may have to go through some things for a season. Regardless of how God chooses to work in your situation, always remember that you are never alone. 

David writes, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil… (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). He had to go through the pain and the difficulty, just as we often do. He said he would fear no evil, but this does not mean he didn’t feel fear of trying to defeat him. The truth is that we can feel fear and still trust God. David also writes, When I am afraid, I put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3 NIV). 

You may feel one thing, yet your heart can know the truth of God’s Word. David knew that God was in control—even if he felt fear, he still trusted God. I want to encourage you to do the same. When you’re waiting for God to work—even if it seems like He’s not or it feels like He’s taking too long—follow the advice in Proverbs 3:5-6: 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (NIV). 

Trust will always require unanswered questions. You may not know when or how God will work in your situation, but you can be assured that He is already working behind the scenes to help you, and your answer will arrive in His perfect timing. 

Prayer: “Lord, thank You for helping me, even when I can’t see anything happening. Strengthen my faith and help me to trust You and be patient while I wait on Your answers to my prayers. In the meantime, like Paul and Silas, I will praise You in advance for what You’re going to do. Regardless of what I see happening around me, teach me to put my trust in You and expect Your goodness around every corner. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Scriptures: Philippians 4:6-7, John 14:27

Peace That Passes All Understanding 

I’m so glad you have chosen to take part in this study. I don’t say this casually, but the principles I have shared in this study can truly change your life if you continue to apply them. You don’t have to be anxious and worried. God is offering you a better way—a life filled with His peace. 

As we finish this study, I want to leave you with one of the most important passages of Scripture on the topic: Philippians 4:6–7. These verses teach us that if we will come to God during our difficult times and pray with a heart of thanksgiving, then His peace, which passes understanding, will be ours. 

What is a peace that passes understanding? It’s a peace that God gives us in the midst of life’s storms. When our circumstances say we should be frantic, anxious, and worried, we are at peace instead because we know God loves and cares for us. 

I love peace. I lived the first 40 years of my life without it, and now I don’t think life is near as fulfilling if we don’t have it. I will do almost anything to have peace. I confront things when I need to, but I value peace so much that I am willing to give up being anxious, worried, angry, unforgiving, offended, or upset in order to have it. 

Like most people, there was a season in my life when I prayed for peace, but it seemed to evade me most of the time. I occasionally enjoyed peace when my circumstances were calm and suitable, but that was not often. I always prayed for my circumstances to change, but I needed to pray that I would change. I needed to be stronger and more stable instead of so easily affected by circumstances. 

Often, we hear people say, “I’ve lost my peace,” and this is a true statement. They have peace because Jesus has given it to them, but people lose their peace because of their circumstances, and then they need to find it again. 

Jesus says in John 14:27 (AMPC): 

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] 

Studying this scripture was a turning point for me. I learned that Jesus has given me His peace, and I can have a quality of peace, unlike anything the world can offer. However, this verse showed me that I also have a part to play. To enter into the peace Jesus gave to me, I had to stop allowing myself to be agitated, disturbed, anxious, and worried. God had done His part by giving me peace, but I saw that I wasn’t doing my part. I prayed only as a last resort after I had done everything else I knew to do, and I complained instead of being thankful. When I did pray, I prayed for my troublesome circumstance to go away instead of praying for the Holy Spirit to strengthen me on the inside so I could endure with a good temper whatever came my way. 

Peace—not eliminating circumstances we don’t like—should be our goal. Because if we have peace, it doesn’t matter whether our circumstances are pleasant or unpleasant. We remain the same. Peace is not the absence of problems but trusting God in the midst of life’s storms. 

Remember, whenever anxiety strikes, God is only a prayer away and is available to help you when you call on Him. He promises that no matter what you are going through, you can receive His wonderful gift of peace right in the midst of it. 

Prayer: “God, when my world feels turned upside down, I’m so grateful that I can come to You for peace. So right now, I bring You every situation that threatens to make me worried or anxious. I thank You for being greater than any storms in my life, and I ask You to fill my heart with Your peace that passes all understanding. When it feels like the fear makes it hard to breathe, fill me with Your amazing, calming presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.”