Thursday, September 11, 2008

Anxiety

I am really looking forward to this Sunday's service. I am going to be speaking on a topic that we all struggle with. We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount, and we are at Matthew 6:25-34, which has to do with not being anxious and seeking first God's will. It is tempting to just speak on the topic, but due to my theological background, I am going to do my best to stay true to the text. My job as a pastor is to do so, and I will expositionally preach from this text. We will look at the ways that anxiety hinders our spiritual growth, due to the fact that to be a worrier is a clear sign that you are of "little faith".

So anxiety is a faith problem, not just a medical problem. Being a social scientist in the making, this is hard for my educational background to accept, but excites my theological background to the fullest, which in the end always out-weighs the education. I hope to see people comforted in the fact that God is faithful to supply our every need, just as he does birds and lilies. With this knowledge I hope that they, as will I, will begin to put our total faith and trust in our Heavenly Father, and live today for Him, by the mercies he pours out on us to do so on a daily basis, without worrying about tomorrow's troubles.

So how about you? Do you struggle with anxiety? If so, do you see it as a faith problem or a personal problem? Look forward to the feedback.

3 comments:

preacherman said...

Scott,
I wish I could hear your message. Do you have anyway for people to hear your messages? The sermon on the mount is one of my favorite passages in all the Bible. I believe everyone suffers from anxiety. I take meds because my anxiety. It helps. I hear people say just pray and trust God and things will get better but sometimes their is other reasons for anxiety and depression that cause a person to need meds. Wonderful post and thoughts. Let me know if I can listen to your sermons. I will be praying for you on Sunday. I know you will do a fantastic job. I hope you are feeling better. I hope your mom is getting better as well. Keep up the great job you do with your blog. You challenge us. It is wonderful. One of the best out there. I hope you have a great weekend.

Scott Packett said...

Thanks, Kenny. I really appreciate your prayers and concerns about my health and my mothers health. My is doing about the same, and I am doing much better, still have a slight sore throat, but doing better.

We are still in the beginning stages of planning a website for the church, which would have my sermons on video. However, if you will send me your email address, I will send you my sermon notes and listening sheets, so you can get a better idea of what I am going to preach. I would be honored for you to look over them and tell me what you think.

I also appreciate that you enjoy my blog. I am still trying to figure the whole thing out, but can't seem to get the word out about it. I try to post thought provoking posts and quotes that inspire me on a daily basis. I appreciate your responses and would appreciate if you would send some of your friends my way, so I can get more conversations going. Thanks, and have a great weekend.
Scott

preacherman said...

You do a great job with proking posts. When I read your blog I am inspired, challenged, stretched, and learn so much. Keep up the great work.