MATTHEW 7:13-14

ANXIOUSNESSFocusing on God instead

FOCUS

DEFINING ANXIOUSNESSLuke 10:41-42(ASV) But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.(KJV) And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

EASY TO GET CONFUSED AND DISTRACTED IN THE WORLD TODAY So Many options…

1,370,000,000 Results for the term “music” A broad view Not to mention how many artists and genres This is just musicHow does this apply to religion and God? Some people take the same approach and want

“options”

RELIGIOUS CONFUSION ISN’T NEW

Acts 17:16-23 Athens was wholly given to idolatry, the city

was full of idols. Paul attempts to cut through the confusion,

and narrow the focus, onto only God

Losing sight of God among so many other things, cares, distractions

That’s what happened to Martha

WHEN WE ARE DISTRACTED WITH SOMETHING, WE CAN LOOSE OUR FOCUS ON GOD

1Corinthians 7:32-35 But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord: (33) but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife, (34) and is divided. So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. (35) And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

BEING ANXIOUS IN SPITE OF HAVING GOD

Exodus 14:10-12 People had a real

concern, anxious for their lives

In spite of having God, anxiousness turned thoughts around

Exodus 14:13-18, 28

Genesis 17:1-9, 16-19 Abraham’s worry

about a son from Sara cause him to doubt God

Their worry and impatientness caused them to choose Hagar

Real Concern Worry

HOW DO WE CONQUER DISTRACTIONS/ ANXIOUSNESS AND REFOCUS ON GOD?

TRUST GOD

Numbers 13:27-33 Didn’t trust that God would go with them and

help them take the landNumbers 14:1-11 If we say we believe God, then we can trust

His word and promises. When we pray, our fears and anxiety will go

away the more we trust God.

DAILY STUDY

We can’t trust God, know what His word says, or focus on Him without DAILY study.

Titus 3:13 And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

I John 2:3-6

HOW IS OUR PRAYER LIFE?

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Do we understand the power of prayer that God gives us?

1Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Hebrews 4:16

WHERE IS GOD IN YOUR LIFE?

CHANGE OUR FOCUS: PUT THINGS IN THERE PLACE

How much easier is it to focus on the bible?

Sometimes we create our own cares and

worries.

FOCUSING ON SOME CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?

Do you know Jesus? And does He know you?Matthew 7:21-23 Are you an erring Christian that needs help in

any way from the congregation?1Th 5:14 And we exhort you, brethren,

admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.

(15) See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.