Week of September 29, 2024 – Overcoming Worry

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 worry.

*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:

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:

1. Icebreaker: What’s one small thing you’ve been worrying about recently?
   (e.g., What to wear, daily schedule, etc.)
2. 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:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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.