Hebrews 4:16 We can obtain – and give – grace and mercy.

Anxiety, Worry, and Treasure

The Lord loves a just balance. It’s a principle of life.

Matthew 6:19,20,21,22,23,24

Four aspects of Jesus message:

I am to empty myself through giving, prayer, and fasting.
So I can be filled with righteousness.
And enter His Kingdom.
Which means I can share in His suffering.

What am I filling myself with? Am I oriented toward God during the day?

There are heavenly treasures (e.g., goodness, hope, gentleness, meekness, kindness).

There are other kinds of treasures – fear, anxiety, and worry. Do I consider these to be precious possessions? Has someone suggested that it would be good to give any of these up? Is there something I am hanging onto that was once “valuable” or that I think I may "need" someday?

What kind of treasure am I seeking?

Hope, mercy, and forgiveness should be part of my treasure.

God is always present. Am I present with Him in the “now,” even if I am in an uncomfortable or difficult situation? Although I may want happiness for myself and my loved ones, it is more important to be content. Happiness is a by-product, not the goal!

Where is my fear coming from? Is there a real and immediate reason? There are treasures that can be corrupted.

Matthew 6:25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34 “Therefore” means the next section refers to the previous verses. My treasure and what I am seeking impacts my natural worry about daily needs.

Fear is a specific and known concern. Anxiety is a generalized fear. Fear is a placeholder for what I don't know or understand. Seek God's wisdom in prayer and use that as a better alternative.

God wants our spirit and emotions in balance. Anxiety and worry is out of balance. It's a future that hasn't happened yet. God is a present help.

In whatever state I am in, I can be content. I take action by bringing my mind in subjection to the spirit of God. The love of God is meant to displace fear.

Matthew 5:1,2,3,4,5,6,

Matthew 5:11,12 I can rejoice. I can ask God to control my mind, how I think, and how I behave.

James 1:2,3,4 Contentment allows me to be joyful, even in temptation. Joy is about living in the moment. When God is with me in every kind of situation, it will produce patience.