Luke 12: 25 5/26/2020*

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”

That’s a legitimate question… Jesus asked it while He was teaching on anxiety…. Have you thought about it? Have you contemplated what you can and cannot control?

It seems that Jesus is making a connection between anxiety and humility.  The question determines whether or not you have a realistic view of your capabilities.

If you don’t you will waste time worrying about things you don’t control … like Christ’s example, of when you die… That is determined before you are born (Psalms 139) - So no one changes it by worrying.

Consider this question carefully. - If God gave you the option to decide every outcome today - would you take it? ...If you would – then your view of yourself is too big - and your view of God is too small. 

At the end of the day that is definition of anxiety…. It is believing you must control the uncontrollable… If that is your position…then anxiety is the only possible response.

But Humility comes from understanding that God controls all – and it destroys anxiety. It is produced by having a tremendous view of God. It is not thinking badly of yourself, it is just not thinking of yourself at all…. And that is a byproduct of seeing how overwhelmingly powerful God truly is.

Once you see it - you will stop worrying about you - and instead focus on the glory of The Lord.  Suddenly you will trust Romans 8:31 “If God is for us who can be against us?” And when that occurs - anxiety evaporates.

So, think about Jesus’ question…. What do you control?

If there is something bothering you that you control – change it.

If there is something troubling you that you don’t control … talk to God about it - He loves you and can change anything.

Philippians says to worry about nothing and pray about everything ….” And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

You don’t control everything… but God does…. Give it to Him and He will give you a peace so powerful that it will be the death knell of anxiety - and the birth of freedom.

 “Not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry.”
—Anonymous