Small Things Give Anxiety
The sermon emphasizes the impact of small daily anxieties and the transformative power of prayer and community support in finding peace.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about finding peace in God's presence, emphasizing the importance of hiding our lives in Him to experience true tranquility and joy. She highlights how the small daily cares and burdens can overwhelm us, but through prayer and surrender to God, we can find peace and strength to navigate life's challenges. Tileston encourages believers to trust in God's care and help, allowing Him to transform their anxious lives into centers of peace and fruitful activities.
Text
The Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in all ways.
2 THESSALONIANS 3:16 (R. V.)
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy presence.
PSALMS 31:20
LET my life be hid in Thee,
Life of life and Light of light!
Love's illimitable sea,,br> Depth of peace, of power the height!
Let my life be hid in Thee
From vexation and annoy;
Calm in Thy tranquillity,
All my mourning turned to joy.
JOHN BULL
IT is small things that, just because of their smallness, distress and overset us. I mean the weight of daily care, which in their small details of personal expenditure, and in the careful routine of a household, and in the rearing of children, and in the society of friends, and in the outside duty, and in private affairs, singly and separately is sufficiently burdensome; but altogether, and on one set of shoulders, is sometimes felt to be more than the strength can bear. Those anxious lives, tempted to be fretful, and hasty, and self-important, and fussed with their incessant activities, may, if rightly interpreted, and manfully grasped, settle down into round and sunny centres of regular, and peaceful, and fruitful activities. Where there is prayer, there is peace; and God, who makes every duty possible, knows, helps, and cares.
ANTHONY W. THOROLD
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the theme of small anxieties - Scriptural references to peace - The impact of small things on daily life
- II points: - Understanding the weight of daily cares - The cumulative effect of small burdens - The importance of perspective in managing stress
- III points: - The role of prayer in finding peace - God's support in our daily duties - Transforming anxiety into fruitful activities
- IV points: - Encouragement to seek tranquility - The power of community and support - Living a life hid in God's presence
Key Quotes
“It is small things that, just because of their smallness, distress and overset us.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Where there is prayer, there is peace.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Those anxious lives... may, if rightly interpreted, settle down into round and sunny centres of regular, and peaceful, and fruitful activities.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Practice daily prayer to cultivate inner peace amidst life's small stresses.
- Seek support from friends and community to share the burdens of daily life.
- Reframe your perspective on small anxieties to find joy and productivity in routine activities.