Finding Peace: Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the incredible team of staff and support staff who have dedicated themselves to our mission of helping people find and follow Jesus. We honored Kathy Hayes, Meadow Gandy, Alicia White, and Julie Taylor for their one-year anniversaries with us, recognizing their hard work, servant hearts, and passion for their roles. Their dedication is a testament to the love and commitment that drives our community.
We then shifted our focus to a pressing issue that affects many of us: anxiety. Anxiety is an epidemic, especially among teenagers and college students, but it also impacts adults. It arises when we feel unprepared for future challenges and doubt our ability to meet them. Anxiety manifests in various ways, such as obsessive thinking, fantasy conversations, and an inability to be present in the moment. This robs us of our ability to be fully present with God and others, causing us to miss out on the beauty and opportunities of the present moment.
Jesus addressed anxiety in Matthew 6:28 and Luke 12, emphasizing that our value in God's eyes is immense. He reassured us that God knows our needs and will provide for us. Jesus used examples like sparrows and ravens to illustrate that if God cares for these creatures, how much more will He care for us? The root of our anxiety often lies in our transactional relationship with God, where we feel we must earn His blessings, and in our pursuit of things that God never intended for us to seek.
To combat anxiety, we must remember that our relationship with God is not transactional. Jesus died for us, and His sacrifice means we no longer need to strive for acceptance or worry about the future. God is already in the moments we fear, preparing them and us. We are in control of our minds and can take practical steps to manage anxiety, such as changing our environment and engaging in community. Being part of a supportive community helps us focus on others' needs, which can alleviate our own anxiety.
As we continue to walk towards the peace that God offers, let us remember that we are not alone in this struggle. Together, we can overcome anxiety and live fully in the present, trusting in God's provision and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Value in God's Eyes: Jesus emphasized that our value in God's eyes is immense. If God cares for sparrows and ravens, how much more will He care for us? This understanding should alleviate our anxiety, knowing that God is aware of our needs and will provide for us. [39:20]
2. Transactional Relationship: Many of us have a transactional relationship with God, where we feel we must earn His blessings. This mindset fuels anxiety because we constantly worry if we are good enough. Jesus' sacrifice means we no longer need to strive for acceptance; we are already valued and loved. [55:47]
3. God's Presence in Our Future: Anxiety often stems from fear of the unknown future. Remember that God is already in those future moments, preparing them and us. He is never surprised by what is coming, and His provision is always timely. [47:35]
4. Control Over Our Minds: We have control over our minds and can take practical steps to manage anxiety. Changing our environment, taking a walk, or engaging in different activities can help us disengage from anxious thoughts and refocus on the present. [01:05:02]
5. Community Support: Being part of a supportive community is crucial in managing anxiety. Engaging with others helps us focus on their needs, which can alleviate our own anxiety. Community provides a space where we can share our struggles and find encouragement. [01:06:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:42] - Celebrating Staff Anniversaries
[28:56] - Introduction to Anxiety
[31:42] - Defining Anxiety
[33:39] - Manifestations of Anxiety
[35:29] - Anxiety and Presence with God
[36:35] - Missing Out Due to Anxiety
[38:01] - Jesus' Teachings on Anxiety
[39:20] - Value in God's Eyes
[44:08] - Fear and Anxiety
[47:35] - God's Timely Provision
[50:49] - The Rich Man's Anxiety
[52:36] - Root of Anxiety: Doubt in God's Provision
[55:47] - Transactional Relationship with God
[57:44] - Seeking the Wrong Things
[01:02:31] - Practical Steps to Combat Anxiety
[01:07:23] - Personal Struggle with Anxiety
[01:14:50] - Closing and Testimony
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:28-34 (ESV)
> "And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
2. Luke 12:22-32 (ESV)
> "And he said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What examples did Jesus use in Matthew 6:28-34 to illustrate why we should not be anxious? How do these examples help us understand God's provision?
2. According to Luke 12:22-32, what are the reasons Jesus gives for not being anxious about our needs?
3. In the sermon, what are some manifestations of anxiety mentioned? ([33:39])
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of anxiety on our ability to be present with God and others? ([35:29])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the value of sparrows and lilies in His teachings on anxiety? How does this relate to our understanding of God's care for us? ([39:20])
2. The sermon mentions that anxiety often stems from a transactional relationship with God. What does this mean, and how does it affect our faith? ([55:47])
3. How does the concept of God being present in our future moments help alleviate anxiety, according to the sermon? ([47:35])
4. What practical steps does the sermon suggest for managing anxiety, and how do these steps align with biblical teachings? ([01:05:02])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious about the future. How can the teachings in Matthew 6:28-34 help you trust in God's provision during similar situations?
2. The sermon suggests that being part of a supportive community can help manage anxiety. How can you actively engage in your community to both give and receive support? ([01:06:09])
3. Think about your relationship with God. Are there areas where you feel it is transactional? How can you shift your mindset to understand and accept God's unconditional love and provision? ([55:47])
4. Identify a specific anxious thought or situation you are currently facing. What practical steps can you take to manage this anxiety, as suggested in the sermon? ([01:05:02])
5. How can you remind yourself daily that God is already in the moments you fear, preparing them and you? What specific actions can you take to reinforce this belief? ([47:35])
6. The sermon mentions the importance of being present with God and others. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from being fully present, and how can you address them? ([35:29])
7. Reflect on the idea that seeking the wrong things can fuel anxiety. What are some things you are currently seeking that may not align with God's intentions for you? How can you refocus your priorities? ([57:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Immense Value in God's Eyes
Description: Jesus teaches us that our value in God's eyes is immense. In Matthew 6:28 and Luke 12, He uses the examples of sparrows and ravens to illustrate this point. If God cares for these creatures, how much more will He care for us? This understanding should alleviate our anxiety, knowing that God is aware of our needs and will provide for us. Often, our anxiety stems from a lack of trust in God's provision and a misunderstanding of our worth. By recognizing our immense value to God, we can begin to let go of our worries and trust in His care and provision. [39:20]
Matthew 6:26 (ESV): "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt anxious about your needs. How can you remind yourself of your immense value in God's eyes and trust in His provision today?
Day 2: Moving Beyond a Transactional Relationship with God
Description: Many of us have a transactional relationship with God, where we feel we must earn His blessings. This mindset fuels anxiety because we constantly worry if we are good enough. Jesus' sacrifice means we no longer need to strive for acceptance; we are already valued and loved. Understanding that our relationship with God is not based on transactions but on His unconditional love can free us from the burden of anxiety. We can rest in the assurance that we are already accepted and loved by God, without the need to earn His favor. [55:47]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. Are there areas where you feel you need to earn His blessings? How can you shift your mindset to embrace His unconditional love and grace today?
Day 3: Trusting God's Presence in Our Future
Description: Anxiety often stems from fear of the unknown future. We worry about what might happen and whether we will be able to handle it. However, we must remember that God is already in those future moments, preparing them and us. He is never surprised by what is coming, and His provision is always timely. Trusting that God is in control of our future can help us let go of our anxieties and live fully in the present. We can find peace in knowing that God is already there, working everything out for our good. [47:35]
Isaiah 46:10 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: What specific future event or situation are you anxious about? How can you trust that God is already there, preparing the way for you?
Day 4: Taking Control Over Our Minds
Description: We have control over our minds and can take practical steps to manage anxiety. Changing our environment, taking a walk, or engaging in different activities can help us disengage from anxious thoughts and refocus on the present. By being intentional about our mental and physical environment, we can create spaces that promote peace and reduce anxiety. It's important to recognize that we have the power to influence our thoughts and emotions through our actions and choices. [01:05:02]
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV): "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to create a more peaceful environment and manage your anxious thoughts?
Day 5: The Importance of Community Support
Description: Being part of a supportive community is crucial in managing anxiety. Engaging with others helps us focus on their needs, which can alleviate our own anxiety. Community provides a space where we can share our struggles and find encouragement. When we are surrounded by people who care for us and support us, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. This sense of belonging and support can significantly reduce our anxiety and help us navigate life's challenges with greater resilience. [01:06:09]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support today? How can you also be a source of encouragement and support for someone else?
Quotes
1. "Anxiety is this, anxiety is generated when we think we need something in any moment, whether present or something that's coming, and we do not believe we will have what we need when that moment comes. Think about that for a second. Sometimes anxiety hits us in all kinds of crazy ways." [31:42] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The primary problem with anxiousness is it robs you and I of the ability to be fully present with God and present with people in the moment that you are in. Think about that. We lose track of who God is in the moment, what he wants to be for us right now, what he wants to be and what he has for us in the moment and is for us and, and what you in the moment have for people." [35:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We miss out on sunrises and what God does every morning when the sun comes up. And we miss out on playing with our kids. We might be there with them, but we're not really with them, right? We miss out on teachable moments. We miss out on really truly listening to our spouse because our mind is somewhere else. We miss out on spiritual windows where God says, hey man, I've got something for you. Listen, I've got this. Can you see this? Can you hear this?" [36:35] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When Jesus says, don't be anxious, it's important that we see here that he is not talking about just there is a God and that God is great. What he's talking about is there is a God and that God is great and has, all kinds of resources. And because of your value in the eyes of that amazing, wonderful God, he wants you to have what he has. Did you grab that? That's important. He wants you to have. You are of more value." [46:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I know that God hasn't. I'm just not sure that he will give it to me. It's back to that question of value. It comes down to, am I being good enough often? Have I done enough things? Have I scored enough points? Not, does he have it? I know he has it. Will he give it to me so I have it when I need it?" [52:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus died so I don't have to blank anymore. What are you anxious about? Jesus died so you don't have to blank anymore. I don't have to strive. Jesus died so you don't have to impress anymore. Jesus died so I don't have to be accepted by anyone. Jesus died so you don't have to be accepted by anyone and everyone anymore." [01:04:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You are in control of your mind and sometimes really do you need to step out of the anxiety. You need to put yourself in a different environment. You need to take a walk. You need to do something where your mind is disengaged from. And that situation and you actually ring it. If you just set and just brew, it's just going to it's going to stew. Okay, it's just going to stay there. Disengage yourself physically and go put your mind somewhere else." [01:06:09] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Here's a question. Where's my relationship with God often transactional? And what effect is it having and maybe even more penetrating? Where am I pushing my children away? Into things that may be causing anxiety. This is a place where broken anxious people are welcome. I'm Steve your lead pastor and I struggle with anxiety and during my sabbatical in June. God made it very very clear. much I was missing in the life. That he had for me not being present with him not able to be present with people that I care about because the amount of anxiety that I had in my life." [01:07:23] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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