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Anxiety - Week 1

INTRODUCTION

Open in prayer, and then read this passage of Scripture with your Group:

'Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' 2 Timothy 1:6-7

MAIN IDEA 

Anxiety is a big word that has become more and more prevalent as a medical diagnosis, but Scripture addresses it along with several other words like worry, care, trouble, and fear. In fact, that last one, fear, is the spiritual root of anxiety. That spirit of fear doesn’t come from God. Scripture says that “perfect love drives out fear.”

Anxiety is not a malfunction of the mind. It’s a signal our body uses to tell us that we have an unmet need in some part of our life. It’s like that blinking light on the dashboard that says something is not running right. And while there are very real biological contributions to anxiety and depression, some of which may need medication, if we allow that to be the whole picture, we may miss some really great solutions that are available to us in God’s Word. 

The Scripture from 2 Timothy provides us some direction for dealing with the spirit of fear and anxiety. It says, “stir up the gift of God.” Anxious energy almost always accompanies idle posture. We’re overly focused on our thoughts and concerns rather than putting our hands to work on the things God has given us to do. Anxiety doesn’t get better just thinking about it.

That blinking light on the dashboard of anxiety and fear is our signal to look at the way we are carrying out our assignment from God. It’s time to check our disciplines like rest, diet, exercise, and meaningful work. There’s a way that God created us to live that keeps us healthy. 

Let’s take those anxieties, worries, cares and fears to God, and exchange them for a lifestyle of purpose and making a difference. 

DISCUSSION

  1. What aspects of life seem to bring you the most anxious thoughts and feelings? Why?  
  2. In what ways did the weekend message help you to frame your response to anxiety? 
  3. What aspects of your lifestyle and daily routine need adjustments to combat worry? (ie. sleep schedule, Sabbath, physical activity, diet, devotion, prayer.)
  4. What unique gifts or abilities has God blessed you with? Where are your current opportunities to stir up those gifts?  

MONDAY TEST 

  • Try 6 and 1! God created the universe with a weekly rhythm. Six days are for working. One day is for enjoying what the work produced. For some, the issue is that we are overworking, and neglecting the Sabbath. For others, we’re over-resting. We could benefit from using our gifts to increase the fruitful work in our six days. Exodus 20:8-11
  • Catch anxiety early! Automate your response to anxious thoughts and feelings by immediately pausing to pray and give them to God, and then redirect your mind to the power and authority you have in Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
  • Go through the Growth Track! Whether you are already confident in the purpose of God for your life, or you are a little unsure, the spiritual gifts assessment that happens in the Growth Track can help shine light on God’s unique design in you. Romans 12:4-5 

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER 

Father, thank you for making me Your prized possession, and filling me with the power, love and soundness of mind that reflects You. I know the opportunities are going to be there today to be anxious, worried and fearful. But I know that you’ve created me for something more. Keep my heart and hands focused on your purpose for me today, and take away the weight anxiety that I was never meant to carry. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

LEADER TIP

Growth Track is a super easy way to help those in your Group take a next step. It’s a great way to help them get on the Go Team, and start sharing those special and unique gifts with the community. Just copy and share this link: https://thechapel.cc/growthtrack