Step 3: Trade Anxiety for Joy

07/11/10 1:54 PM


Sunday November 7, 2010

Numbers 6:22-26

The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites.  Say to them: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Psalm 29:11

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Romans 15:13

May the god of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

How can you trade anxiety for joy?

 1. Look at _________________, not_________________

Matthew 14:22-31

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.  When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind  was against it.  Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  When the disciples saw him walking on the lake,  they were terrified.  “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I.  Don’t be afraid.”  “Lord, if it’s you,: Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.  “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

2. _____________________________________

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

3. Redirect your___________________ into_______________

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

4. Remember the laws of __________________________ and ________________.

Proverbs 26:2

Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight.

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