We all struggle with worry, some more than others. Unfortunately it's something that we all experience at some point throughout our lives. It can be very addicting to be a "worry wart" but that's not what God wants for us. In fact, I would say He desires the exact opposite. That we live the abundant life that He sent His son to die for. I hope the following helps you do just that:

Key Scripture:
Matthew 6:25-34 - Amplified Bible

25Therefore I tell you, stop being [a]perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?

26Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?

27And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the (b) span of his life?(A)

28And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and [c]learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.

29Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his [d]magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. [I Kings 10:4-7.]

30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?

31Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?

32For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.

33But seek ([e]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([f]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [g]taken together will be given you besides.

34So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.

Intro:
- Don't worry about all of the things that are out of your control
- Do the things you can diligently (see Colossians 3:23)
- Why is peace so illusive?
- How do you let go of the thoughts of worry?
- Letting go of worry doesn't mean you'll have peace
- People want peace and not Christ
- To change your heart you need to replace the bad with something good
- Jesus can change you head and your heart

1. Jesus' PRESENCE Changes Everything

Psalm 31:19-20 - Amplified Bible

19Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear, revere, and worship You, goodness which You have wrought for those who trust and take refuge in You before the sons of men!

20In the secret place of Your presence You hide them from the plots of men; You keep them secretly in Your pavilion from the strife of tongues..

- Fully man & fully God
- His presence brings peace to those who trust Him (see Philippians 4:7)
- It is healthy for a man to bring peace and security by his mere presence (father, husband, boyfriend, male friend etc)
- Why do we worry?
- We worry because we're not sure He's trustworthy, strong enough or there

2. His PRAYERS Change Everything

Romans 8:34 - Amplified Bible

34Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us?

- The power is in Christ's blood
- Jesus is praying for you < - High Priest
- The prayers of a godly person is powerful, so how much more powerful is Christ's prayers? (See James 5:16)
- He prays for your security and safety
- The Holy Spirit is guarding us but we take it for granted
- If His prayer is so effective why does it seem like it's not working?
- We're looking for Heaven on Earth
-Guards can't guard you from afar (see Jeremiah 23:23-24)
- You choose whether or not you let His presence in
- What have you done with His presence?
- Get behind Jesus and let Him be your shield (see Ephesians 6:16)
- His power, peace and presence ARE a package!

Prayer to Overcome Worry "Straight Talk on Worry by Joyce Meyer"

Father,
Help me not to worry. I realize worry does me no good, but in fact only makes my situation worse. Help me keep my mind on good things that will benefit me and Your kingdom.
Lord, I am thankful You are taking care of me. You have a good plan for my life. I am going to start taking the steps You have shown me to take to fulfill that plan. I place my trust in You and in Your word. I cast all my cares on You because I know You care for me. In Jesus' name, AMEN!