Do you worry or get anxious about stuff? (And by the way, anxiety has a negative or bad connotation)
Jesus tells us: "...do not be anxious about ______" in Matthew 6:25-34. Basically, don't be anxious or worry about anything. And you're probably thinking: "rriiiiggght... like that is even possible."
If your thinking that, based off of those words alone, you're thinking correctly. But like most things in the Bible, the context is of utmost importance. Once the context is taken into consideration, then Jesus' words make a lot more sense.
What is the context and what can you do about worry/anxiety?
Matthew 6-6:24 - It comes down to one thing - In what do you put your confidence? Stuff/People or God.
1. Do you GIVE to the needy to be seen of people or for God? (6:1-4)
2. Do you PRAY to be seen of people or for God? (6:5-15)
3. Do you FAST to be seen of people or for God? (6:16-18)
If you are putting your confidence in earthly stuff and people, there is plenty of reason to be anxious. You have to work hard for that kind of reward. And when it comes down to it, that reward is external and a bunch of crap in light of eternity. Yeah, if you do those things for people, you'll get your reward - but what good does it do?
So, with having the location of our confidence in mind, when you look at Jesus' words again: ""...do not be anxious about ______." This makes perfect sense; it is totally possible, because we've put our confidence in God. Why worry about anything? This doesn't mean kick back and don't do anything. We're still going to have situations that cause concern, but in everything that we're doing follow this principle: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6
The choices that precede or prevent anxiety (6:19-24)
1. a map - Where are you seeking? heaven or earth (19-20)
2. a mindset - How are you seeking? light or darkness (22-23)
3. a master - Who are you seeking? God or mammon (24)
Do not worry because it...
1. Distorts reality - "Is life not more than...?" (25b-26)
2. Doesn't help - "Which of you by worrying can..." (27)
3. Denies God - "Now if God..., oh yea of little faith" (28-30)
4. Distracts Christians - "But seek first the kingdom of God..." (31-33)
5. Doubles Trouble - "...tomorrow will worry about itself." (34)
My summary of Peter's messages so far on Matthew 6:19-34.