Let’s Talk About It – Anxiety

How can we be like Jesus during life’s storms?

1. Understand that storms can happen at anytime
2. Make sure you’re rested up
3. Take charge of the situation at hand
4. Remember God’s provision in the past

Stay In Tune:

1. Worry about nothing
   • The Lie: “If I worry about it today, I can have peace tomorrow.”
   • The Truth: “Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it only empties today of its strength.” (-Charles Spurgeon)
2. Think about positive things
3. Pray about everything

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Key Scripture:

Mark 4:35-41 (NLT)

 35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT)

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Philippians 4:6-8 (NLT)

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

• Share an example of an interesting or funny vanity plate or bumper sticker you have seen. Are there other vehicle markings, accessories or modifications that stand out to you?

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Read Mark 4:35-41.  What does this example demonstrate about the strength of our faith amidst trials?
• Read Matthew 6:25-34. What does diligent, prudent and responsible concern look like in light of this exhortation to not worry about everyday life things like food and clothing?
• Read Philippians 4:6-8.  Why does Paul instruct us to pray instead of worry?  What must we do to experience God’s peace?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

• Have you ever struggled with anxiety in your life? Do you still ever find yourself held captive by it? If not, what did you do to find freedom from a life of worry and anxiety?
• Clay mentioned that thunderstorms are created partly due to unstable air in the earth’s atmosphere. What could be some areas of “unstable air” causing anxiety in our lives?
• When Jesus calmed the storm in Mark 4, He took control of the situation at hand. Why do you think it is hard for most people to take control of anxious circumstances in their lives?
• Clay said, “What you think about determines your level of peace.” What are your thoughts mostly focused on throughout the day? What can you do to change the focus of your thoughts?
• Relating to the illustration of the “I Can” and the “God Can,” what areas do you have a hard time of holding onto instead of releasing to God? In what areas do you over-practice faith and under practice responsibility?

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Focus on God’s grace in your life, and give your worries and requests over to Him.

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

• Father, thank you for your word, and for reminding us that you are in control.  Please help us to focus on your grace, so that we may not worry about the things of this world.  -Amen

Start digging. For further study.

• Read this Got Questions article,
  “What does the Bible say about anxiety?”

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