As we have learned and continue to learn, one of the main killers of fruitfulness is the “worries of this life”. It is what Jesus calls one of the “thorns” in the parable of the seeds and a thorn that causes growing and mature seeds to become fruitless. As the family of Lifespring, we recognize that God is asking us to not just be mature, but to be fruitful. Therefore, we need to be on guard to fight against anything that can stop our fruit.
Worries of this Life: What does the Bible say?
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7
God’s solution to the worries of this life is prayer. Now I know what you are thinking – is this Kingdom Kids? Of course prayer is the answer. Many of us know that prayer is the answer. But, unfortunately, many of has have not learned how to pray. We have been taught that prayer is like talking to God. This is true and helpful when teaching young children the idea and the concept of prayer. But this is not what Jesus taught. Jesus taught his disciples, the huios, how to pray – how to pray effectively.
“Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” 2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us today our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debters. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
– Luke 11:1-4
The Lord’s prayer was not just a couple of verses for fun – it was a Kingdom lesson on how to approach the king and how to pray! In yesterday’s message, we broke down the importance of the words in the Lord’s prayer. It is not meant to be copied and recited as a good luck charm – but it was a lesson in modeling how to pray. Please take some time to listen to the message to get into the depths of the prayer.
The Scriptures says be anxious for nothing. Do this by praying. And Jesus teaches us how you pray.
As the Lifespring family, we are not exempt from worry. But that doesn’t mean worry is supposed to be the norm. Jesus tells us not to worry – this means that we are not meant to worry! I was reminded of Jesus in a boat in a storm. All the disciples and everyone around Jesus was worried, and rightfully so. They were about to die! But Jesus, oh Jesus, was not worried at all – he was just sleepy. Worry is real, but worry is not of God. A peace of God, that surpasses all understanding is real. It is from God.
If you worry, just like me, join me in learning the Lord’s prayer. Jesus taught that prayer is the solution to worry – we would be wise to heed his advice.