THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD FOR YOUR ANXIETY
Matthew 6:31-34

LIFE APPLICATION FROM THE SCRIPTURE:
If we are willing, God will bear our worries and transform them into his glory.

INTRODUCTION TO OUR PROBLEM:
Job had problems. Satan approached God and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands and possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face” (Job 1:9-11). God allowed Satan to take his family, his wealth, his health, his position, his ability to work, and his reputation. Even when God restored Job’s fortunes, he was still left only with precious memories of the children whom he would not see until after his ultimate departure. Job had problems.
Joseph had problems. His father Israel loved him “more than any of his other sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors” (Genesis 37:3). That caused problems between Joseph and his family. God loved Joseph and revealed a message to him in a dream (Genesis 37:9-10). The dream caused problems. Joseph’s brothers hated him so much that when given an opportunity they “conspired against him to kill him” (Genesis 37:18). Joseph was sold into slavery under the Ishmaelites from Gilead (Genesis 37:28). Joseph was exalted by God to be a successful man in the house of his Egyptian master (Genesis 39:2). His master’s wife attempted to seduce him into iniquity, bore false witness against him, and eventually had him thrown into prison (Genesis 39). Joseph had problems.
The book of Psalms reveals great description of the heartbeat of mankind. Psalm 102 records the prayer of one afflicted. “For my days pass like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread. Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my flesh….My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass” (Psalm 102:3-11).
While at the tomb of Lazarus, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Jesus looked over the city and said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often I would have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!” (Matthew 23:37). Matthew 26:36 records Jesus saying, “My soul is very sorrowful unto death; remain here, and watch with me. And going a little further he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). With a loud voice Jesus cried out and said, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). It is no wonder that God said, “He was despised and rejected by me; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3). Our Lord dealt with problems as well.
We have problems as well. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down.” Our anxieties have been divided into four areas: 1) fear of giving too much or of being too dependent; 2) fear of being isolated or exposed; 3) fear of change; and 4) the fear of the inevitable. We fear for our health. We fear for our future. We fear for our spouse and children. We fear for our economic security. We fear for future judgment. Psalm 38:18 says, “For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin” (NASBU).
THE BIBLICAL RESPONSE TO ANXIETY:
What are we to do with all our cares? What are we do to with our worries?
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humility allows us to acknowledge we can’t take care of everything and request help from the One who can.
We are not to bear our own worries. Rather, we are to throw our worries on the loving arms of our Lord.
Psalm 40:17
Philippians 4:4-9
Here is an admonition for what we are to think on and what we are to ignore.
Adjusting our minds to focus on good and important things and allow God to take care of us will relieve our anxieties.
Romans 12:2
Matthew 6:25-34
Do not worry about your food and clothes—Matthew 6:25, 28-30
Do not worry about your future—Matthew 6:26
Do not worry about your length of days—Matthew 6:27
Do be apply your mind concerning things of the kingdom—Matthew 6:32-33