Finding Peace: A Spiritual Approach to Anxiety
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delve into a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: anxiety. Drawing from Philippians 4:6-7, we explore an alternative to anxiety, focusing on how we can cope with it through spiritual means. Anxiety, as defined, is an excessive concern or obsession over potential future events, often leading to stress and physical manifestations in our bodies. This concern can be about anything, from relationships to finances, and even seemingly trivial matters like sports games.
We often wonder why God doesn't simply remove the stressors from our lives. The truth is, if one stressor is removed, another will take its place. The issue lies not in the external circumstances but in our hearts. God provides us with tools to cope with anxiety rather than removing the stressors. Paul offers a three-part strategy to combat anxiety: ask for what you need, keep praying until you receive either God's peace or His instructions, and thank God for what you already have.
Firstly, we must ask God for what we need. This act of supplication means making our requests known to someone who has the authority to do something about it. Just as we would approach a CEO with a request, we should approach God, the ultimate authority, with our needs.
Secondly, we must persist in prayer until we receive either God's peace or His instructions. God's peace surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds. Sometimes, God may also provide us with specific instructions to act upon, making us part of the solution to our own prayers.
Lastly, we must cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. While praying for what we need, we should also remember and thank God for what He has already done. This helps us maintain a balanced perspective and prevents us from focusing solely on what we lack.
In conclusion, God doesn't promise a life free from stressors but provides us with a strategy to handle them. By asking, persisting in prayer, and being thankful, we can navigate life's challenges with faith and peace.
### Key Takeaways
1. Ask for What You Need: Approach God with your requests, just as you would approach a CEO with the authority to make changes. This act of supplication is a demonstration of faith, acknowledging that God has the power to address your needs. [01:14:37]
2. Persist in Prayer: Keep praying until you receive either God's peace or His instructions. God's peace surpasses all understanding and will guard your heart and mind. Sometimes, God may also provide specific instructions, making you part of the solution to your own prayers. [01:22:55]
3. Cultivate Thanksgiving: While praying for what you need, remember to thank God for what He has already done. This helps maintain a balanced perspective and prevents you from focusing solely on what you lack. [01:27:44]
4. Respond with Faith, Not Fear: God doesn't remove stressors but gives us the tools to respond with faith. Walking by faith means trusting God even when circumstances suggest otherwise. This faith-based response sets us apart from the world. [01:09:32]
5. God's Promises Are Sure: Remember the promises of God, which are yes and amen. These promises help us to be partakers of God's divine nature and provide assurance that God is faithful to His word. [01:18:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[46:16] - Introduction and Prayer
[49:22] - Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:6-7
[50:01] - Defining Anxiety
[52:01] - The What-If Game
[53:10] - Youth and Anxiety
[54:46] - Stress in Different Contexts
[56:20] - Acute vs. Chronic Stress
[57:53] - Physical Effects of Stress
[59:01] - Why God Doesn't Remove Stressors
[01:01:13] - Physical Ways to Combat Stress
[01:04:14] - Responding with Faith
[01:10:18] - Spiritual Strategy: Ask for What You Need
[01:17:05] - Spiritual Strategy: Persist in Prayer
[01:27:14] - Spiritual Strategy: Cultivate Thanksgiving
[01:32:19] - Conclusion and Call to Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB): "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul instruct believers to do instead of being anxious? ([50:01])
2. According to the sermon, what are the three parts of the strategy Paul gives to combat anxiety? ([01:10:18])
3. How does the pastor define anxiety in the sermon? ([51:02])
4. What are some physical manifestations of stress mentioned in the sermon? ([57:53])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of prayer and supplication with thanksgiving when dealing with anxiety? ([01:11:35])
2. How does the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, function in the life of a believer according to the sermon? ([01:17:05])
3. What does it mean to keep praying until you receive either God's peace or His instructions? How might this look in practical terms? ([01:22:55])
4. How does cultivating a heart of thanksgiving help in maintaining a balanced perspective on life's challenges? ([01:27:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a current stressor in your life. Have you taken it to God in prayer and supplication? If not, what is stopping you? ([01:10:18])
2. Think about a time when you experienced God's peace in a difficult situation. How did it change your perspective and actions? ([01:17:05])
3. Are there specific instructions or actions you feel God is prompting you to take in response to a current challenge? How can you discern and act on these instructions? ([01:22:55])
4. How can you incorporate thanksgiving into your daily prayer life? List three things you are thankful for right now and share them with the group. ([01:27:14])
5. Identify a situation where you have been responding with fear rather than faith. What steps can you take to shift your response to one of faith? ([01:09:32])
6. How can you remind yourself of God's promises when you are feeling anxious? Is there a specific promise from Scripture that you can memorize and meditate on this week? ([01:18:12])
7. Discuss a practical way you can support someone else in your life who is dealing with anxiety. How can you encourage them to use the spiritual strategies discussed in the sermon? ([01:01:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God with Your Needs
When faced with anxiety, the first step is to bring your needs before God. This act of supplication is not just a ritual but a demonstration of faith, acknowledging that God has the power to address your concerns. Just as you would approach a CEO with the authority to make changes, you should approach God, the ultimate authority, with your requests. This act of asking is a way to shift the burden from your shoulders to His, trusting that He is both willing and able to help.
In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul encourages believers to present their requests to God. This is not a passive act but an active engagement with the divine. By asking God for what you need, you are participating in a relationship where you recognize His sovereignty and your dependence on Him. This act of faith can bring a sense of relief, knowing that you are not alone in your struggles. [01:14:37]
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Reflection: What specific need or concern can you bring before God today, trusting Him to handle it?
Day 2: Persisting in Prayer
Prayer is not a one-time event but a continuous conversation with God. When dealing with anxiety, it is crucial to persist in prayer until you receive either God's peace or His instructions. God's peace is described as surpassing all understanding, guarding your heart and mind. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is a divine assurance that God is in control.
Sometimes, God may also provide specific instructions on how to act, making you part of the solution to your own prayers. This persistence in prayer helps you stay connected to God, allowing His peace to permeate your life even in the midst of anxiety. By continually seeking Him, you open yourself up to His guidance and wisdom. [01:22:55]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: How can you make persistent prayer a part of your daily routine, especially when you feel anxious?
Day 3: Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving
While it is important to ask God for what you need, it is equally important to thank Him for what He has already done. Cultivating a heart of thanksgiving helps maintain a balanced perspective, preventing you from focusing solely on what you lack. This practice of gratitude can shift your focus from your problems to God's faithfulness, providing a sense of peace and contentment.
Thanksgiving is a powerful antidote to anxiety. When you remember and thank God for His past faithfulness, it strengthens your faith for the present and future. This act of gratitude can transform your mindset, helping you to see God's hand in every situation, no matter how challenging. [01:27:44]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: What are three things you can thank God for today, and how does this shift your perspective on your current anxieties?
Day 4: Responding with Faith, Not Fear
God does not promise a life free from stressors, but He does provide the tools to respond with faith rather than fear. Walking by faith means trusting God even when circumstances suggest otherwise. This faith-based response sets you apart from the world, demonstrating a trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Responding with faith involves a conscious decision to trust God in the face of anxiety. It means choosing to believe in His promises and His character, even when you don't see immediate solutions. This kind of faith is not passive but active, requiring you to continually place your trust in God and His plans for your life. [01:09:32]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you currently responding with fear? How can you choose to respond with faith instead?
Day 5: Holding on to God's Promises
God's promises are sure and steadfast, providing a foundation for your faith. These promises help you to be partakers of God's divine nature and offer assurance that He is faithful to His word. Remembering and holding on to these promises can provide comfort and strength in times of anxiety.
God's promises are not just words but assurances that you can rely on. They remind you of His character and His commitment to you. By holding on to these promises, you can navigate life's challenges with a sense of hope and confidence, knowing that God is with you and for you. [01:18:12]
2 Peter 1:4 (ESV): "By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: Which promise of God can you hold on to today to help you navigate your current challenges? How does this promise change your outlook?
Quotes
1. "To be honest with you, a lot of times the thing that we're caring about hasn't happened yet. A lot of times this is in the future. We're playing the what if games about things that haven't happened. But if you're anything like me. We still play it, run it through our minds. The scenarios. And we can see it. It becomes real. In fact, we can feel it in our bodies. The realness of this anxiety." [52:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What makes you different from other people is not that you don't go through things. What makes you different is not that you don't have bills. What makes you different is not that you have stressors. But you respond to those stressors with the faith because God called us to live that type of life. He says we walk not only by our senses. We walk not only by what it looks like. We walk by faith and not by sight." [01:05:35] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Ask for what you need to the one who can do something about it. See, it's not good enough to just ask people to people who can't do anything about it. It's not good enough to just ask what you need for someone who's just going to sympathize with you and then go about their day. Ask to someone who can hear your request, sympathize with your weaknesses, and then do something about it." [01:15:49] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Keep praying until you receive either God's peace or God's instructions. See here in verse 7, my brothers and sisters, we have a promise from God. God says, if you do what I ask you to do, then I'll do what only I can do. And verse 7 says, If you seek me, if you pray to me, if you bring your request to the CEO, then the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." [01:17:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Sometimes God chooses to make you part of the solution. The very thing that you're praying for. So sometimes he doesn't give you peace. Because he wants you to keep that burden on your heart. To motivate you. To move you. So you can be part of the solution." [01:22:55] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Thank God for what we already have. And not only focusing on the things that we don't have. For Paul says in Philippians 4, 6 He says, be anxious about nothing but as an alternative in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. He says, when you're knocking on that door as you're seeking God as you're coming to the CEO as you're showing your faith by your perseverance by keep on praying about that thing don't immediately receive God's peace or God's instruction." [01:27:14] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Paul says, don't have spiritual amnesia. Don't let the anxiety cause you to have amnesia for what God has already done. Don't let the things happening around you cause you to forget how God has already forgiven you. Don't let the winds and the rain and the flood and the things going around you to keep your eye off of Jesus. Paul says, ask for what you need. Keep on praying until you receive either peace or instructions. But don't forget to be thankful for what Jesus has already done." [01:31:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Paul has given us a spiritual strategy on how to deal with the issues of our life. God doesn't take away the stressors. He gives us a strategy on how to deal with the stressors. And the strategies are dealing with the way we look at them. And then we ask, keep, keep knocking and thank God. In fact, this is kind of messed up, but if you put that A-K-T, it's act. That's a little misspelled. But what we want God to do is act on our behalf. We want God to act in our situation. We want God to act and show his faithfulness. We want God to act and show his glory." [01:32:19] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "What he does is he gives you the tools to be able to respond with faith with the situations that you go through on your everyday life. See, my brothers and sisters, one of the things as we grow in Christ, we need to learn how to respond with faith. Instead of just to respond with our senses. In fact, Paul says in 2 Corinthians, we walk by what? Faith. Faith and not by sight." [01:06:30] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So Paul says, instead of being anxious, instead of stressing, instead of playing the what-if game, go to the CEO. Ask for what you need to the one who has the authority and the power to do something about it. Ask for what you need to make a change in your life. That's the first part of our strategy. That's to ask for what you need." [01:15:49] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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