Luke 2:45-52 NIV
When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days, they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then, he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Isaiah 9:6-7a NIV
For to us, a child is born; to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end.
How can I experience peace in the midst of chaos?
Philippians 4:6a NIV
Do not be anxious about anything.
40 million adults are affected by anxiety disorders.
⅓ teens will experience an anxiety disorder.
Only 36.9% of those with anxiety disorders are receiving the treatment they need.
The effects of anxiety and depression combined cost the global economy $1 trillion US dollars every single year.
According to the World Health Organization, anxiety and depression have increased by over 50% between 1990 and 2013. (23 years)
What is peace?
1. Peace is an ordered and blessed life coming from a rested internal state.
2. The battle for peace is won on the inside.
3. There is no external solution for internal chaos.
Philippians 4:4 NIV
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:5 NIV
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Matthew 6:25-27 NLT
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest, or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Matthew 6:28-30 NLT
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon, in all his glory, was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
Matthew 6:34 NLT
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Philippians 2:20-21 NLT
I have no one else like Timothy who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:24-25 NLT
While the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members so that all the members care for each other.
Anxiety vs. Concern
Anxiety is continual. Concern is situational. Anxiety is vague. Concern is specific.
Anxiety reacts. Concern responds.
Anxiety obsesses. Concern moves.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Choosing Peace for My Mind
I will talk… to God about my problems.
Psalms 95:6-7a NLT
Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord, our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I will thank…. God for his help.
Phillippians 4:7 NLT
Then, you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
I will train… my mind to align with truth.
Phillippians 4:8-9 NLT
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then, the God of peace will be with you.
Anxiety vs. Concern
Anxiety absorbs other’s responsibilities. Concern fulfills my responsibility.
John 14:27 NLT
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
FP
(False Positives)
TP
(True Positives)
FN
(FalseNegatives)
TN
(True Negativ )