In the old movie Starting Over with Burt Reynolds and Jill Clayburgh, the two meet in a store. Clayburgh suffers an anxiety attack. Reynolds tries to calm her down as a large crowd gathers. Finally, Reynolds yells, “Quick, does anyone have a valium?” Everyone in the crowd reaches into their pockets or purses to get one for him. It is a funny scene. That is the world we live in right now. A world of anxiety. And I think I know why. Every day we are told that there are new things to worry about. Those things we worried about yesterday? Old news. Today’s coming disasters are much worse. And wait until tomorrow! Usually these prophets of doom are telling us to spend money on something that will eliminate the worry. Look at all the ads for medications. We did not know we needed them, until we saw the ad. Now we have all the symptoms. Gotta call the doctor! Gotta get a prescription!

 

In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear Jesus tell us “Don’t worry! Not about what you will eat, drink or wear.” Paul tells the Philippians in his letter to them that we should not worry about anything! Really? How do we do that? Well, we need to understand what Jesus and Paul are talking about and it is not quite what you think. It’s really about gratitude. Come and hear about it this Sunday at John McMillan Presbyterian Church when Pastor Jeff preaches, “Don’t Worry, Be Grateful” based on Matthew 6: 25-34 and Philippians 4: 4-7. We will look forward to seeing you at 8:30 or 11!