Worry from the Pulpit

Sometimes, pastors get asked questions like, “Is it ok to preach on something that you haven’t quite gotten over yourself?”

I used to think the same as the inquisitor. But now in a position where people may sometimes seek my counsel, I think this. 

The qualifications of an overseer are quite specific (1 Timothy 3). Indeed, a pastor must remain above reproach. Nonetheless, some topics need to be addressed that few have overcome.

Specifically, I mean the topic of worry. 

We worry about this, and we worry about that. 

Brothers and sisters, we can encourage others in the midst of worry because we are not their solution. 

Present hope according to the Scriptures. So, “Is it ok to preach on something that you haven’t quite gotten over yourself?” In this case, yes! 

Why? Because you preach the Scripture, rightly divided, Christ glorified and not yourself. 

In fact, Paul states to the Corinthian church that he preaches “Christ Jesus the Lord” and therefore himself, their servants, for “Jesus sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7). 

It should be no surprise that some of the most popular Scriptures memorized are about worry. Here are two examples:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Or

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Notice how in both of these verses, we are to take our worries to God. Have you ever critically thought about why we take our worries to God?

Well, it should also not come by surprise that God wants to do something with your worry because He cares for you. He wants and will replace it with peace, because Christ’s sacrifice made you and I, at peace with Him (Romans 5:1-11).

So as I pardon your annoyance with me for asking once more, “Is it ok to preach on something that you haven’t quite gotten over yourself?”

I’ll leave it as a maybe. Sometimes, they might just be preaching hope to themselves. 

God bless!