Heart attitudes: Peace - Matthew 6:24-34

Heart Attitudes – Peace – Matthew 6:24-34

 

Can we really enjoy peace in any and every situation? Is the Bible contradictory in condemning an anxious heart in some verses and approving of it in others?

 

There is:

Reasonable worry ⇔ Unreasonable worry

 

God offers his people: a peace of heart that comes from a deep contentment in knowing God’s care for us and seeking his way.

 

1. Find peace by resting in God’s care (vv. 25-32)

 

Every time we see a bird it is an evidence of God’s care for us - in particular that God cares about how we will get by. Every time we see a flower it is proof of God’s generous care.

 

Do we lack peace because we don’t trust that God cares for us?

 

2. Find peace in seeking God’s Kingdom (vv. 24, 33-34)

 

Look what surrounds Jesus’ famous command not to worry:

• Worry is connected to what we serve (v. 24)
• Worry is connected to what we prioritise (v. 25)
• Worry is connected to what we seek (v. 26)

 

What we serve determines what we worry about.

 

Peace comes from actively seeking after God’s kingdom and making his priorities our priorities.

 

3. Suggestions for times of worry

 

• Go outside – the birds and the flowers are preaching of God’s care.
• Ask yourself why you are worrying and what you are serving.
• Humble yourself and remember life isn’t under your control.
• Pray to God who cares for you.

 

Questions for us? Is God’s peace in any and every situation something you have experienced? Would you describe yourself as a worrier or not? What does Jesus say the birds and the flowers ought to be teaching us? What type of worries is he tackling? Do we worry because we don’t trust God’s care enough? How are our worries connected to what we serve, what we prioritise and what we seek? How does Jesus make that point? How does this help us understand what is reasonable worry and unreasonable worry? How might we put into practise the four suggestions next time we are in a season of worrying?