Let's Talk About It | Pt 6. Overcoming Anxiety

Devotional

Day 1: Overcoming Anxiety by Receiving a Good Word

Anxiety in the heart can lead to depression, but God’s Word offers hope and gladness that lifts us out of despair. When anxiety weighs you down, remember that God’s truth and His promises are powerful enough to change your outlook and bring joy to your heart. Instead of focusing on the heaviness, seek out the “good word” that God has for you—His encouragement, His promises, and His love. Let His Word be the antidote to the anxiety that tries to take root in your heart, and trust that He desires for you to walk in freedom and gladness. [03:17]

Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Reflection: What is one “good word” from Scripture or a trusted friend that you can hold onto today when anxiety tries to take over your thoughts?

Day 2: Freedom in Christ—You Don’t Have to Cope, You Can Overcome

God’s desire is not for you to simply cope with anxiety or depression, but to experience true freedom through Jesus Christ. Christ came so that you could be set free from the cycles of anxiety and the burdens that weigh you down, not just manage or mask them. Stand firm in the freedom He offers, refusing to let yourself be burdened again by old patterns or the yoke of slavery. Today, believe that you can walk in victory and that the power of Christ is enough to break every chain of anxiety and depression in your life. [11:04]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Reflection: What is one area where you’ve been “coping” instead of seeking Christ’s freedom, and how can you take a step toward true freedom today?

Day 3: Choosing Prayer Over Worry

Instead of letting worry and anxiety control your mind, God invites you to bring every concern to Him in prayer. Prayer is not just a religious activity—it’s a real, ongoing conversation with God where you can pour out your heart, present your requests, and receive His peace that surpasses understanding. Make it your habit to pray first and pray most, turning every anxious thought into a prayer and trusting God to guard your heart and mind. As you do, you’ll find that His peace becomes your defense against anxiety. [14:26]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one specific worry you can turn into a prayer right now, trusting God to handle it?

Day 4: Regulating Your Thoughts—Focusing on What Is True

The thoughts you dwell on shape your emotions and responses, especially in times of anxiety. God calls you to intentionally focus your mind on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. When you feel panic or worry rising, redirect your thoughts to God’s truth and His promises, refusing to let negative or anxious thoughts dictate your life. By fixing your mind on heavenly things and God’s perspective, you can experience a renewed sense of peace and clarity, even in a chaotic world. [24:04]

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Reflection: What is one anxious or negative thought you can replace today with a truth from God’s Word?

Day 5: Relying on God—Letting the Prince of Peace Rule Your Heart

True and lasting peace is found not in self-effort or external solutions, but in relying fully on Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He alone can meet every need—emotional, mental, relational, spiritual, and physical—and He invites you to give your whole life to Him, not just a part. When you choose to trust Him completely, He fills you with a peace that pushes back anxiety and allows you to rest, even when life is overwhelming. Let Jesus be your source of strength and peace today, and experience the joy and hope that come from trusting in Him. [37:19]

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stop relying on yourself and start relying on Jesus, the Prince of Peace?

Sermon Summary

Anxiety and depression are not just issues to be managed or coped with—they are signals that something deeper is happening in our hearts and minds. God’s desire is not for us to simply survive under the weight of anxiety, but to experience true freedom and peace through Him. The root of depression, as Proverbs 12:25 reveals, is anxiety in the heart, but God offers a “good word” that brings gladness and hope. Rather than accepting anxiety as a permanent part of life, we are invited to overcome it by making intentional, faith-filled choices.

Freedom from anxiety is possible because of what Jesus has done for us. He came not just to give us temporary relief, but to set us free so we can live in peace, regardless of our circumstances. While stress often comes from external pressures, anxiety is an internal battle—one that we can address by inviting God into our hearts and minds. Faith is not about denying problems, but about trusting the One who can overcome them. We are called to stand firm, refusing to let ourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery to anxiety and depression.

Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6-9 outline five quality choices that lead to overcoming anxiety: choosing to pray about everything, relinquishing control to God, regulating our thoughts, living out the truth of Scripture, and relying fully on God’s strength. Prayer is not just a religious activity, but a way to shape our worries into petitions and praises, shifting our perspective and inviting God’s peace to guard our hearts. Relinquishing control means casting our anxieties on God, trusting that He cares for us deeply and personally. Regulating our thoughts involves focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, rather than being driven by fear or the noise of the world. Living the Bible means putting God’s Word into practice, not just hearing it, and allowing Jesus to live His life through us. Ultimately, relying on God is the foundation for lasting peace—He is the Prince of Peace, and only in Him do we find true rest for our souls.

No matter what you are facing, you are not alone. God’s peace is available to you, and He invites you to give your whole life to Him. As you make these choices, may the God of peace be with you, filling you with joy, hope, and strength for every season.

Key Takeaways

1. Anxiety is a signal, not a malfunction. When anxiety rises, it’s not a sign that you are broken or faithless, but a signal that something in your life needs attention. Rather than feeling shame or stigma, recognize anxiety as an invitation to examine your heart and bring your concerns to God, who cares deeply for you. [07:49]
2. Freedom from anxiety is God’s desire for you. Jesus came not just to help you cope, but to set you free from the cycles of anxiety and depression. This freedom is not about denying reality, but about standing firm in the truth that Christ has already won victory over every burden, and you can live in that freedom daily. [09:42]
3. Prayer is the first and most powerful response to anxiety. Instead of letting worry take root, choose to pray first and pray most. Prayer shifts your perspective, invites God’s peace, and reminds you that you are not in control—but you are connected to the One who is. [15:11]
4. Regulating your thoughts is essential for peace. What you focus on shapes your emotions and responses. By intentionally thinking on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, you align your mind with God’s reality and resist the pull of fear, negativity, and worldly noise. [24:04]
5. Relying on God is the foundation for lasting peace. True peace is not found in self-help, counseling alone, or temporary fixes, but in a relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. As you give your whole life to Him and trust Him with every need, He promises to be with you and supply all you need for every circumstance. [37:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:24] - First Wednesday and Family Invitation
[01:16] - Introduction: Addressing Anxiety and Depression
[02:44] - The Bible’s Perspective on Anxiety and Depression
[03:17] - The Root of Depression and the Power of a Good Word
[04:45] - Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
[07:49] - Anxiety as a Signal, Not a Stigma
[09:12] - Freedom in Christ: You Don’t Have to Cope
[11:35] - Five Choices to Overcome Anxiety
[13:04] - Choice 1: Pray About Everything
[18:21] - Choice 2: Relinquish Control
[23:10] - Choice 3: Regulate Your Thoughts
[30:37] - Choice 4: Live the Bible
[34:08] - Choice 5: Rely on God
[39:20] - Invitation to Relationship with God
[42:02] - Give Your Whole Life to Him
[43:52] - Final Blessing and Next Steps

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Philippians 4:6-9 (ESV) — > Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
> Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
> What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Proverbs 12:25 (ESV) — > Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) — > Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Observation Questions

According to Philippians 4:6-7, what is the result of bringing our requests to God in prayer and thanksgiving?
In Proverbs 12:25, what does anxiety do to a person’s heart, and what is the remedy mentioned?
The sermon described anxiety as a “signal, not a malfunction.” What does that mean, and how does it change the way we view anxiety? [07:49]
In 1 Peter 5:7, what reason does Peter give for casting our anxieties on God?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that God’s desire is not just for us to cope with anxiety, but to experience freedom and peace. How does this perspective differ from what the world often teaches about managing anxiety? [01:48]
Paul lists several things to focus our thoughts on in Philippians 4:8. Why do you think what we focus on in our minds is so important for overcoming anxiety? [24:04]
The message talks about relinquishing control and trusting God with our anxieties. What does it look like, practically, to “cast your anxieties on Him” in daily life? [20:58]
The sermon mentions that faith is not denying problems, but trusting the One who can overcome them. How can someone hold onto faith while still being honest about their struggles? [08:17]

Application Questions

The sermon says anxiety is a signal that something in your life needs attention, not a sign that you are broken or faithless. When anxiety rises in your life, what is it usually signaling for you? How can you respond differently next time? [07:49]
One of the five choices Paul gives is to “pray about everything.” What is one area of your life where you tend to worry first instead of pray first? What would it look like to “pray first and pray most” in that area this week? [15:11]
Relinquishing control can be hard, especially for those who like to have everything figured out. Is there a specific situation right now where you need to let go and trust God? What step can you take to give that over to Him? [18:21]
Regulating your thoughts means focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. What is one negative or anxious thought pattern you want to replace this week? What truth from God’s Word can you use to replace it? [24:04]
The sermon challenges us to “live the Bible,” not just hear it. Is there a command or promise from Scripture that you know but haven’t been putting into practice? What would it look like to start living it out this week? [30:37]
The message says that true peace is found in a relationship with Jesus, not just in self-help or counseling. If you’re comfortable sharing, how have you experienced God’s peace in a difficult season? If not, what’s one step you can take to invite Him into your situation? [37:07]
The pastor encouraged everyone to “give your whole life to Him.” Is there an area of your life you’ve been holding back from God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today? [42:02]

Sermon Clips

I keep seeing this constant theme throughout even counseling journals and such, and it's this word cope. And I understand what they mean by it, but that's not God's best for you. I just want to encourage you today that God doesn't, I don't think God wants you to just cope with anxiety. In other words, just kind of deal with it, and it just kind of becomes a part of your life. But did you know that you can actually overcome anxiety? Like, it doesn't actually have to be a part of your life. [00:01:41] (27 seconds) #OvercomeAnxietyNotCope

How do you do this? Paul tells us how to regulate our thoughts. How can we do this? How can we get our thoughts right? See, the issue is when the panic comes, when the anxiety tries to rise up, when all those worries and concerns come, how many of you know they start to actually drive your thoughts? They dictate how you think. They dictate how you respond. Those thoughts, all that stuff, all those emotions, they start to dictate you. [00:23:14] (29 seconds) #RenewYourMindInGod

Christianity is not a religion about Jesus. Did you know that? You know, Christianity, Christianity is Jesus living in me. That's actually what Christianity is. It's not a Christianity is not about someone. It's about it's about relationship and having him with you. And that's what he's inviting all of us to to not just come to church and say that was good and do our religious things and raise our hands and clap them and all that other stuff and smile and fake it half the time. Because we don't want anybody to know what's really going on with us. Christianity is about actually Jesus coming alive inside of us and doing the work that no one else could inside of us. [00:33:12] (44 seconds) #StrengthThroughChrist

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Come on, say it again like you mean it. Come on. I can do all this through him. So when you feel like you can't keep going, you feel like tomorrow is going to be too much. You feel like the issues of life are weighing you down. You feel like you're stuck and you can't take another step. Just say, I can't. I can take another step through him who gives me strength. I can lay my head down at night in perfect peace through him who gives me strength. I can walk in perfect rest. I can be assured through Jesus who gives me strength. [00:34:29] (43 seconds) #TruePeaceInJesus

Today, I choose to give my whole life. Hey, I'm asking you to give, look at me, I'm asking you to give your whole life to him. Not just a piece of it, not just a part of it. Give your whole life to him. You might think that you know best. You don't. Just like we were talking about earlier as we were dedicating that baby. God's not going to give you that. He's the one that wrote all your days in a book. You don't know them all, but he does. Give your whole life to him. Amen. [00:42:02] (34 seconds)

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