The Peace That Outlasts Every Worry

Summary

The service opened with the wisdom of God from Proverbs 8 and the example of the queen who travelled far just to hear Solomon. How much more blessed are we, the preacher said, who can stand before God and listen to a wisdom far greater than Solomon's.

The heart of the message came from Philippians 4:6-7: do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Anxiety works like the thorns that choke the seed (Matthew 13:22) and like a branch cut off from the Vine that withers and bears no fruit (John 15:5). Jesus pointed to the birds and the lilies - the Father already knows what we need.

The answer is to cast every care on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and let His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts. Paul had to learn to be content in plenty and in want. Jesus Himself left the perfect peace of heaven and bore the cross so our peace with God could be restored, and like the father running to the prodigal, He welcomes back anyone who returns.

Key Points

• Anxiety is the worry that overwhelms us, and God never meant us to carry it alone.
• Bring every concern to God in prayer with thanksgiving first, not as a last resort.
• The cares of this life and the lure of riches choke the word and leave us fruitless (Matthew 13:22).
• Stay joined to Christ the Vine, because a branch cut off simply dries up (John 15:5).
• Cast all your cares on Him, for He truly cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
• Contentment is learned, not automatic - Paul learned it in abundance and in need (Philippians 4:11-13).
• Jesus left heaven's peace and bore the cross so our peace with God could be restored.