Peace of Mind – Fork Christian Church

Peace of Mind: Ask a Counselor

October 13, 2024

Description:

In a political season where our country and culture is choosing to fight a fight with one another, we are choosing to fight fear, fight anxiety, and fight the mental health battle at war in so many of us. We are going to fight against the myths of embarrassment when it comes to mental health battles and receiving help. Together, we will fight to find peace that God can provide.

So whether you are trying to move forward after loss or uneasiness about the future, if you don’t understand what you are feeling, hope seems far away. In our new series, Peace of Mind, we go to God’s word and learn how to fight our mental battles and find peace together. This week, take a Biblical look at what we must do when struggling with negative thoughts.

*Please note, if there are severe mental health concerns for you or a loved one that include severe depression and suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to receive immediate help and support. Then, reach out to [email protected] for pastoral care.

Dig In Questions

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Small Group Study Guide: Balancing Sacrificial Love and Self-Care

Introduction This week’s study explores the balance between caring for others and ensuring you maintain your own well-being. We will reflect on the tension between loving sacrificially and self-care, discuss practical ways to foster healthier relationships, and examine areas of life that may signal we’re becoming emotionally or spiritually unhealthy.

Icebreaker

Share a time when you felt drained from helping others. How did it affect your emotional and physical health?
When do you feel most energized—when serving others or taking time for yourself?

Scripture Readings

Mark 12:30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Hebrews 3:13
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
James 1:19
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Discussion Questions

The Balance of Loving Others and Yourself

Jesus commands us to love others as we love ourselves. What does it mean to “love yourself” in a healthy, God-honoring way?
Have you ever felt guilty for taking time for self-care? How did that experience affect your ability to love and serve others?

Practical Self-Care

What are some activities you do or would like to start simply because they make you healthier spiritually, mentally, or physically?
Why is it essential to have a “full cup” before pouring into others?

Strengthening Relationships

Based on Hebrews 3:13, why is daily encouragement so important in our relationships?
Share a time when expressing gratitude improved a relationship. How can you incorporate more daily encouragement in your relationships (e.g., with a spouse, kids, friends)?

Monitoring for Unhealthiness

We often don’t realize when we’re drifting into unhealthy patterns. Using 2 Corinthians 13:5 as a guide, how can we regularly “test” ourselves?
- How are you spending your time, money, and energy? What do those things reveal about your priorities?
What warning signs in your life might indicate you’re becoming mentally or emotionally unhealthy (e.g., irritability, resentment, exhaustion)?

Managing Anger and Frustration with Family

James 1:19 speaks to the importance of being “slow to anger.” Reflect on a time when frustration with family led to unhelpful words or actions. How can you “slow down” in those moments?
How can reframing frustrating traits in your kids or spouse as strengths that need management (e.g., “stubbornness” as “determination”) change your perspective?

Application Challenge

Self-Care Audit
Take some time this week to ask yourself:

What am I doing simply because it makes me healthy—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically?
Write down at least one thing and commit to making space for it in your routine.

Express Gratitude
Commit this week to express one specific, genuine gratitude or appreciation to someone each day. Start with your family and close friends, and see how it impacts your relationships.
Behavior Reframing
If you have children (or someone in your life who frustrates you), write down their top three frustrating behaviors. Then on the other side of the note card, write how each behavior represents a potential strength that is being mismanaged.

Closing Prayer

“Lord, thank you for teaching us the importance of loving others while also caring for ourselves. Help us to find the balance between serving sacrificially and maintaining our health so that we can love well. Show us the areas of our lives that need attention, and give us wisdom to prioritize self-care without guilt. Guide us in strengthening our relationships through daily encouragement and thankfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Peace of Mind: Silencing My Negative Thoughts

October 6, 2024

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Dig In Questions

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

DIG-IN Questions:

Bible Study Guide: Silence Your Negative Thoughts

Main Passage: Proverbs 4:23, Romans 8:5-6, 1 Samuel 30:1-6, Psalm 103

Icebreakers:

Word Association: Ask each participant to say the first word that comes to mind when they hear “self-talk” or “negative thoughts.” This will introduce the concept of how powerful thoughts are.
Memory Verse Race: Divide the group into teams. Write out the words of Proverbs 4:23 on separate slips of paper and scatter them. The teams must collect and arrange the verse in the correct order. This helps emphasize how the Bible teaches us to guard our thoughts.

Introduction

Opening Question: What do you say when you talk to yourself? It is not just about simple things like “Don’t forget the milk” but also about your ongoing self-talk. How do you speak to yourself in moments of stress or failure?

Many of us are stuck in a loop of negative thoughts that shape our lives. Proverbs 4:23 (GNT) reminds us, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

Part 1: The Power of Thought

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 4:23 (GNT) – “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”
- Discussion:
  - Why do our thoughts have such an impact on how we feel and act?
  - How does negativity creep into our thought life?
- Example: Share scenarios like feeling overwhelmed by tasks or criticizing yourself after a mistake.
Understanding the Law of Cognition:
- What we think impacts what we believe, feel, and ultimately do.
- Quote from Dr. Paul David Tripp: “No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.”
- Reflection: How are your thoughts influencing your beliefs about yourself or your circumstances?

Part 2: Negative Thinking—A Spiritual and Practical Problem

Romans 8:5-6 (NIV) – “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
- Discussion:
  - How does setting your mind on the things of the flesh (the world’s values, negative thinking) lead to death? How does focusing on the Spirit lead to life and peace?
  - What are some examples of flesh-driven thinking in daily life (e.g., focusing on failures, worrying about money, comparing yourself to others)?
Negativity Bias:
- Share neuroscience findings: Negative events tend to stick with us longer and imprint on our brains faster than positive ones.
- Activity: Ask the group to think about a time when they received both compliments and criticism. Which did they focus on more? Why do we tend to dwell on the negative?
- Social Media Example: Discuss how negative news and posts spread faster than positive ones. How does constant exposure to negativity affect us?

Part 3: Identifying and Replacing Negative Thought Patterns

Recognizing Your Negative Thought Patterns:
- Cynicism: Distrust in others and their motives.
- Negative Filtering: Only seeing the bad and ignoring the good.
- Absolute Thinking: All-or-nothing thinking.
- Blaming: Seeing yourself as a perpetual victim.
- Reflection: Which of these negative patterns are you most prone to? Encourage participants to define where negativity affects them the most.
Example from David’s Life:
- 1 Samuel 30:1-6 – David’s men were plotting to kill him, yet he “found strength in the Lord his God.”
- Discussion: How can we follow David’s example and find strength in God in moments of negativity?

Part 4: Practical Steps to Silence Negative Thoughts

Meditating on God’s Word:
- David “encouraged himself in the Lord.” (1 Samuel 30:6, KJV) How can we do the same? Use Psalm 103:1-5 as an example of speaking life over yourself.
- Like a cow chewing cud, we must “ruminate” on God’s Word, turning it over in our minds repeatedly to extract all of its nutrients (truth).
- Activity: Read Psalm 103:1-5 aloud as a group, then have participants choose a verse they will meditate on throughout the week.
Take Every Thought Captive:
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) – “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
- Discussion: How can we replace negative thoughts with God’s truth? Share examples like reframing cynicism, absolute thinking, and blame (see sermon paraphrases for examples).
- Challenge: Ask the group to go on a “negativity fast” for the next week. Cut out negative social media, news, or conversations, and fill your mind with Scripture instead.
Pray for Transformation:
- End by praying Romans 12:2, asking God to transform the group by renewing their minds.

Part 5: Closing Encouragement

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- Reflection: How does trusting God change your mindset? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to bring peace and life into your thought patterns?
Final Thought: Remember, your thoughts have incredible power. But through Christ, you have incredible power over your thoughts. Trust Him to renew your mind daily.

Optional Homework:

Memorize Proverbs 4:23 and Psalm 103:1-5.
Journaling: Write down negative thoughts this week and actively replace them with Scripture.
Encourage everyone to share how their “negativity fast” went in the next session.

Peace of Mind: Overcoming Worry

September 29, 2024

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Dig In Questions

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:25-34 (Jesus’ Teaching on Worry)

Main Idea:
Worry is a universal struggle that reveals where we trust God the least. Jesus calls us to stop worrying and focus on seeking God’s kingdom, trusting that He will provide for our needs.

Opening Discussion Questions:

Icebreaker: What’s one small thing you’ve been worrying about recently?
(e.g., What to wear, daily schedule, etc.)
Reflection on Sermon: In the sermon, we heard that “what you worry about most often reveals where you trust God the least.” Does that resonate with you? Can you identify an area where this might be true in your life?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-34

Read the passage together as a group.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25, NIV)

Discussion Questions on the Scripture:

What stood out to you in this passage?
Jesus addresses some of the most common things people worry about. (food, health, clothing, and the future) Which of these resonates most with what you worry about?
What is Jesus’ main point in these verses?
Jesus says not to worry because God cares for the birds and the flowers—how much more will He care for you? How does this promise challenge your current mindset toward worry?
Difference Between Concern and Worry:
The sermon mentioned that concern is when we focus on challenges and move toward action, while worry focuses on things beyond our control and leads to inaction. Can you share an example of how you moved from worry to healthy concern?

Application:

Trusting God More:
What specific area of your life—finances, health, relationships, future—do you need to trust God with more? How might releasing control in this area help alleviate your worry?
Action Step:
Jesus instructs us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” How can you prioritize seeking God’s kingdom in your life? What might that look like in your daily routine?
Practical Strategies for Trust:
What are some practical ways to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness when worry begins to creep in? (e.g., Prayer, Scripture memorization, gratitude journaling)

Prayer Time:

Close the discussion by inviting the group to share any current worries or concerns they are carrying.
Pray together, asking God to help each person cast their anxieties on Him and trust in His provision and care.

Key Verses to Memorize:

Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

This guide encourages reflection, engagement with Scripture, and practical application of Jesus’ teaching on worry, helping participants move from anxiety to trust in God’s provision.

Peace of Mind: Overcoming Depression

September 22, 2024

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Dig In Questions

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

Icebreaker Questions (pick one)

Can you share a time when you felt overwhelmed or down? What helped you during that period?
Are there any songs, movies, or books that capture the experience of depression or overcoming difficult emotions? What about them resonates with you?
Who is someone you turn to when you’re feeling low? What do they do that helps you feel better?

Discussion Questions

Understanding Elijah’s Experience:
1. Reflect on 1 Kings 19:2-4. What do these verses reveal about Elijah’s emotional state after Jezebel’s threat? How do you think fear contributed to his depression?
The Role of Thoughts and Feelings:
1. Romans 12:2 speaks of being transformed by the renewing of your mind. How can we apply this principle to our thought patterns, especially when we feel overwhelmed or depressed?
Dealing with Feelings:
1. Discuss the concept of “emotional reasoning.” Why is it important to differentiate between feelings and facts in emotional distress?
Avoiding Comparisons:
1. In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul warns against comparing ourselves to others. How can this trap lead to feelings of inadequacy or depression in our lives today?
Recognizing Exaggerated Negatives:
1. How does Elijah’s claim of being “the only one left” (1 Kings 19:10) illustrate the tendency to exaggerate negative situations? How can we combat this tendency in our narratives?
God’s Care for Our Needs:
1. In 1 Kings 19:5-7, God addresses Elijah’s physical needs first. Why is it essential to consider our physical health when addressing mental and emotional struggles?
Hearing God’s Voice:
1. Reflect on 1 Kings 19:11-12. How can we cultivate a space to hear God’s gentle whisper amid our busy lives?
Finding New Direction:
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a new purpose (1 Kings 19:15). How can serving others and shifting our focus outward help alleviate feelings of depression?
Transformative Power of Truth:
1. In John 8:32, Jesus states that knowing the truth will free us. What truths about yourself and your circumstances can you focus on to help shift your mindset?
Which of the following action steps—journaling, committing to healthy habits, seeking support, incorporating prayer or meditation, volunteering, reading Scripture, or practicing mindfulness—do you feel most drawn to this week, and how do you believe it could positively impact your mental and emotional well-being? What specific plans can you make to integrate it into your routine?

Peace of Mind: What Do We Do With Anxiety?

September 15, 2024

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Dig In Questions

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

Do you have any phobias or situations that cause you significant anxiety? (example: public speaking, spiders, snakes, etc.)

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

Which part of this message was most impactful for you and why?
Anxiety is described as the physical signal of fear or stress. Read Psalm 55:4-7. How did David show anxiety? How do you typically handle anxiety or stressful situations? What’s one thing you’d like to do differently the next time you feel anxious?
Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30. In this story of Jehosaphat, we see a pattern of anxiety (terrified vs. 3) followed by prayer (vs. 6, 9.), pause (vs. 12-13), a change of perspective, praise (vs. 26), and finally, (vs. 15, 17) peace (vs. 29-30). What pattern do you usually model when anxiety or fear is overwhelming you?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

Share some of the situations or issues that you’re currently facing that are causing anxiety. How could you and others pray over those things?
Talk about a time when you felt God with you in the midst of anxiety. What did praising Him look like? How could you praise Him this week?

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

Example prayer. Father, thank You for caring about us. You’re bigger than our anxieties. Remind us that You hear our prayers and are moving, even if we can’t see it yet. We praise You for who You are. Thank You for seeing us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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

Peace of Mind: 2 Myths

September 8, 2024

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Dig In Questions

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

(Icebreaker pick one)
1. Where do you go when you need peace?
2. Do you or someone you know take medication for mental health reasons? When did you first encounter mental health battles yourself?
Can you list the types of mental health battles one can be wrestling with?
Have you ever wrestled with any of those personally? What have you done to try and overcome those battles?
There are many myths about mental health; let’s consider two of them:
1. Myth #1: Christians shouldn’t struggle with mental health
  1. What did Jeremiah struggle with in Lam. 2:11
  2. What did David struggle with in Psalm 6:6?
  3. What did Elijah struggle with in 1 Kings 19:4?
  4. What did these men have in common?
2. Myth #2: I can do this on my own
  1. Read 1 Cor. 12:8-9. Why would God give certain people the ability to provide wise advice and special knowledge? Why would this be important to know if you are struggling with mental health?
  2. Read 1 Peter 5:6-8. Why is humility connected to giving all your worries and cares to God?
  3. Read Isaiah 26:3. Consider that “fixed” is the root word “Samak,” meaning —to prop, to rest your total weight on an object. How does that help you consider this passage?
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, what is one lesson from these passages you read today that could help give them hope and a step to take? Pray for one another.