Introduction: Don’t miss it. These three are crucial to the Christian life. See if you agree. Based on how we handle these three issues will determine our effectiveness as a follower of Jesus Christ.

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

The word “care” is μέριμνα (mer’-im-nah). This word means care, or anxiety, and can have to do with worry. By definition, the word “worry” has to do with a feeling of nervousness or uneasiness because of a thing or not knowing the outcome of something that is out of our control.

Basically, since God has a concern “care” for us, then we can rest with a peace of mind knowing He knows us and what we are going thru.

2. Prayer! (Phil 4:6,7) – “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.”

Here in the context of this prison epistle, the apostle Paul is reminding CHRISTians that the key to overcoming anxiety is to PRAY in faith. Oh yea, and do not forget to THANK God for He knows all about it anyway – even the outcome. After that, and only after that, then we can expect an overwhelming sense of anti-anxiety to overtake our thinking and even feelings. Try it! You’ll like it!!!

3. Bear! (Gal 6:2) – “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

The word “bear” is βαστάζω: (bas-tad’-zo), which has to do with taking up, or carrying. Have you noticed that when we help carry the load for others, God moves in the heart of some to get under the burden and help carry our load. Amazing how that works, isn’t it?