Sept Bible Study: Week 3 GOD FIRST: "Living Without Anxiety"

Hey everyone,

We're halfway through our series on putting "GOD FIRST," and this month has been such a journey! We've covered seeking God's kingdom and trusting in His provision. This week, we'll be looking at the freedom that comes from living out this promise every single day.

Our theme for this week is Living Without Anxiety. We'll look at how Matthew 6:33 gives us the remedy for worry, providing us with a life of peace and security.

Scripture Focus

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Breaking Down the Verse:

The context of this verse is all about worry. I know that our focus is on Matthew 6:33, but in order to fully understand this verse and the true essence of letting the worry go, we have to include what comes before and after this verse. In verses 25 -32, Jesus tells his followers not to worry about their basic needs, like food, drink and clothing. He uses examples from nature, like how birds don’t farm or store up food, yet God takes care them. So the message to us is this, if God can take care of the birds, He will certainly take care of you. I love to reference songs. You might recognize this line. “If His eyes are on the sparrow, then I know, he watches me”. Then in verse 34, Jesus says, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself”.  Jesus is telling us that our worry is a sign that we may have misplaced our trust. I am praying for everyone that is reading this bible study-  I want you to find your trust in God again. Trust that you believe in the word of God. (John 8:31-32) Trust that you know, your faith pleases God. (Hebrews 11:6) Trust that you believe, God is not a man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19) Trust that God will do exactly what he says. (Ezekiel 24:14) Trust that he is sovereign and does what he wants to do, and how he wants to do it. (Job 42:2) Trust that if you knock, He will answer. (Matthew 7:7-) Trust that God is good all the time and all the time, God is good! (Psalm 34:8) And He is faithful! So when we put God first, we don't have to carry the weight of worry anymore. We can live in the assurance with trust, that our Father knows what we need and will provide it. This doesn't mean we become complacent or irresponsible, it means we work hard with a heart posture of trust, knowing that the results are in His hands. Allow me to take it one step further. Just trust God - with EVERYTHING!

Question for Reflection:

Would you admit there are times when you didn’t trust God in certain situations, from the beginning? Then after you stressed yourself out with anxiety, you remembered to give it to God. What is one area of your life where you can choose to replace worry with trust in God this week?

A Personal Testimony from Tony Jackson:

Seeking God First… I’ll be the first to admit, this is easier said than done - the not worrying part - particularly when it hasn’t been something I’ve done my entire life.  So resetting my thoughts to do something in a different way was definitely a challenge. But I realized this, I certainly don’t have a problem with word, priority.  I’ve always done what was most important to me, first. Ok, pause for a second and reflect on Matthew 6:33… I see now-  I only worried about “people, places and things”, because God wasn’t my first priority.  Now I put God first in all things, and this has certainly released my anxiety and my worry. And I thank God I still have time to reset my mind and my spirit daily.

Application for the Week:

This week, let's practice living without worry and anxiety. When a worry enters your mind, consciously replace it with a prayer of trust or by simply saying, “God, I’m going to trust you with this”. Try setting aside a moment each morning to remind yourself of God's promise to provide. Let's remember that He is our provider, and in Him, we have everything we need.

What's Next?

Next week, we'll wrap up this series by looking at what it means to be free in the spirt and the practical steps we can take to continue this journey of trust. Until then, may you find comfort and clarity in His word.

Blessings,

The Trust The King Team

Tony Jackson

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