"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." 1 Peter 5:6-9

Anxiety is the general sense of unease or dread regarding life in the present context or the future.

The Scripture assumes we will deal with anxieties in a less than perfect world.

I Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:25-34

• Battling anxiety is an assumed reality in the life of a believer. (Matthew 6:25-34)
• We have reasons for anxiety.

Responses to Anxiety

1. Deny, ignore because life is an impersonal accident; therefore, give your life to trivialities (gallows humor)
2. Overwhelmed, consumed by the events of life which leads to despair and brokenness.
3. Continually casting your anxieties upon the strong reality of Christ.

Regarding the Casting Process

1. Casting is an i_______ a_______; a chosen response to the reality of the triune God.

“I call piety (the seeking of God) that reverence joined with love of God which knowledge of his benefits induces. For until men recognize that they owe everything to God, that they are nourished by his fatherly care, that he is the Author of their every good...they will never yield him willing service.” John Calvin, The Institutes 1-2

    2. There is an enemy who a_______ you and longs for you to despair/be anxious. He accomplishes this toxic desire by obscuring the glory of the cross of Christ. We silence through the accusations of the devil and the intendant regrets by glorying in the work of Christ, our substitute.

ANSWER KEY: intentional, activity, accuses

Our response is to think well, be alert as we are firm in our faith.

My faith has found a resting place.

Guilt my soul is free.

I trust the Ever-Living One.

His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument.

I need no other plea.

It is enough that Jesus died.

And that he died for me.

-- Eliza Hewitt, hymn

“There is nothing dreary and doubtful about life. It is meant to be continually joyful...we are called to a settled happiness in the Lord, whose joy is our strength.” Amy Carmichael, (1867-1951), Missionary to India

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS/APPLICATION

1. Pray for one another during this time that can produce anxiety. Especially pray that the Lord would protect those who are serving so valiantly in our culture and allow us to speak the gospel of grace and mercy to those around us. Pray that we would be filled with joy and peace as we continually cast our anxieties on the One who cares for us.
2. What is the “sword Damocles” and how is it reflected in the gallows humor of Woody Allen, who said, “More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.”? How is this an example of a humorous response to living in a world that has no order and the impersonal + time + chance?
3. How does the work of the cross conquer our regrets in life? (John 10:9-10)
4. Remember 1-3-1: Passionately seek God daily.- Make 3 contacts with people to encourage them. - Seek to serve people and speak a good word for Christ at least once per week.