Why Do You Worry? // December 31, 2023 // Lead Pastor Dr Phil Willingham

In this sermon delivered by Lead Pastor Dr. Phil Willingham on December 31, 2023, the focus is on Luke 12:22–34, where Jesus advises against worrying about life's necessities. The discourse begins with three observations on universal human concerns: health and finances, identifying them as persistent issues. Worry, defined as excessive concern over life's affairs, is deemed a sin for displacing God and distracting from life's essential aspects. The sermon distinguishes between specific and non-specific anxiety, offering insights on recognizing when legitimate concerns transform into sinful worries. Practical indicators include persistent preoccupation and frequent mention in conversations. The scriptural foundation is emphasized with 1 Peter 5:7, variously translated to highlight casting cares upon God. The action encouraged is a deliberate release, casting all cares onto God. The sermon concludes with the divine destination of this deliberate release, emphasizing that trusting God with our worries is a deliberate, transformative act leading to freedom from the chains of worry.