Most Recent

The Antidote to Anxiety

Sep 14, 2025    Pastor Matt Sturdevant

This sermon from the "Anxious for Nothing" series addresses rising anxiety in the wake of recent tragedies like school shootings and the 9/11 anniversary, attributing societal violence to humanity's sin problem and the removal of God from public life. Building on Philippians 4:6-7, Pastor Matt presents prayer as the primary antidote to worry and anxiety, explaining that Paul wrote these instructions while imprisoned and facing potential execution, demonstrating their effectiveness even in dire circumstances. The message includes practical teaching on prayer as conversation with God about everything, contrasts biblical meditation (filling the mind with Scripture) with Eastern meditation (emptying the mind), and references Jesus's own teachings and example of turning to prayer during distress. The core promise is that supernatural peace follows prayer—peace that transcends understanding and guards the heart and mind regardless of circumstances, as illustrated by Peter's water-walking experience, where focusing on Jesus enabled stability while focusing on circumstances caused him to sink. The sermon concludes with four practical steps for managing anxiety: surrendering to Jesus Christ (overall and in each situation), turning anxious thoughts into prayers, relying on the Holy Spirit's help, and memorizing Scripture, emphasizing that peace with God through salvation must precede experiencing God's peace in daily life.