Stop Worrying and Start Trusting

In this message centering on Philippians 4:4–9 and Matthew 6, Chuck Swindoll addresses what he identifies as perhaps the number one addiction in the world: worry. He defines addiction as a self-made prison where one is held captive by habitual behaviors, noting that many Christians are “addicted to anxiety.” To counter this, Swindoll points to Luke 4, where Jesus announces His commission to “set the captives free.” If worry is a form of captivity, Christ is the liberator who offers freedom from the oppression of a divided mind [2, 8–9, 14].

Swindoll analyzes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6, explaining that when we worry, four negative things occur: our value system gets confused, we become selfish and myopic, our distinctives as believers become blurred with the world, and our fears about tomorrow turn into dread for today. He emphasizes that worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but rather “empties today of strength” [19–22].

To break this addiction, Swindoll offers a four-part divine remedy found in Philippians 4: Rejoice in the Lord every day by finding humor and gratitude; Release burdens by praying about everything; Relax in God’s peace, allowing Him to stand “sentry duty” over the heart; and Respond by focusing the mind on things that are true, honorable, and right. The message concludes with the secret to spiritual stability: learning contentment in every situation and relying on the strength of Christ to handle what we cannot [24, 33–34, 41].

Message Key Facts:

• Worry as an Addiction: Swindoll argues that worry fits Webster’s definition of addiction—occupying oneself habitually or compulsively. He describes it as living in a “self-made prison” or cell of anxiety [8–10].
• Jesus’ Mission Statement: In Luke 4, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah to announce His mission: to bring good news to the poor and to proclaim that “captives will be released.” Swindoll applies this directly to the mental captivity of anxiety [12–14].
• Definition of Worry (Marimnao): Swindoll explains that the Greek verb used for worry in Matthew 6 is marimnao, which means “to be divided.” Worry distracts and separates the mind, preventing focus.
• The Four Effects of Worry: Drawing from Matthew 6, Swindoll lists the consequences of anxiety:
  1. Values become confused: We value food and clothing more than life itself.
  2. Perspective becomes myopic: We become self-centered and obsessed with our own needs.
  3. Distinctives are blurred: Believers begin to think and act exactly like unbelievers.
  4. Fear turns to dread: We borrow trouble from tomorrow, which ruins today [19–21].
• “He Who Dies With the Most Toys”: Swindoll recalls seeing a license plate frame on a Porsche that read, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” He corrects this philosophy, stating, “He who dies with the most toys dies empty-handed”.
• The Four R’s of Trust: Swindoll outlines the prescription for peace from Philippians 4:

• • Rejoice: Find something to laugh at or be grateful for daily. Swindoll cites Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
  • Release: “Worry about nothing, pray about everything.” Turn the worry list into a prayer list.
  • Relax: Let God’s peace “guard” (a military term for sentry duty) your heart.
  • Respond: Fix your thoughts on the six virtues listed in verse 8 (true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable).

• The Air Conditioner Miracle: Swindoll shares a personal story from his seminary days. Facing a hot summer without AC, he and his wife prayed but told no one. A friend named Richard Parks called out of the blue and provided a window unit, teaching them that God answers specific requests [30–31].
• Shalom Shalom: Commenting on Isaiah 26:3, Swindoll notes that the Hebrew text literally promises “Shalom Shalom” (peace peace)—a double portion of peace for those whose thoughts are fixed on God.
• “I’ll Sit Up”: Swindoll closes with a story from Ruth Graham about a worried man who heard God gently say, “You go to sleep, Jim, and I’ll sit up.” God is awake 24/7, so we do not need to be.

Message References:

• Philippians 4:4–9: The primary text outlining the antidote to anxiety: Rejoice, don’t worry, pray, and think on excellent things.
• Luke 4:14–21: Jesus reading from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, declaring His mission to set captives free [11–12].
• Matthew 6:24–34: Jesus’ core teaching on worry, commanding His followers not to worry about food, drink, or tomorrow [17–18].
• John 8:31–36: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” [15–16].
• Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine”.
• Isaiah 26:3–4: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You… for the Lord God is the eternal Rock”.
• Philippians 4:12–13: The secret of living: “I have learned to be content… I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength”.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll