Mental Help: How to Manage Stress
Key Scriptures
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9 AMP
Philippians 4:4-9 AMP
Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group
How has God encouraged you this week? What has brought you joy/made you laugh?
Start thinking. Ask a question or two to get your group thinking.
This past weekend, Pastor Jim talked about how scripture gives us the answer to managing stress and anxiety in our lives. Read Philippians 4:4-9. What steps can I take when I am anxious or worried?
In verse 4, scripture shows us how we can shift our focus from praying/trusting God to letting it go by rejoicing in the Lord. In what ways can you choose to rejoice in the Lord when it's hard to shift your focus and trust God? (Ex. Worship/Poetry/Reading Scripture/Quiet time with God/etc...)
In verse 4, scripture shows us how we can shift our focus from praying/trusting God to letting it go by rejoicing in the Lord. In what ways can you choose to rejoice in the Lord when it's hard to shift your focus and trust God? (Ex. Worship/Poetry/Reading Scripture/Quiet time with God/etc...)
Start sharing. Choose a question or two to create openness.
It's easy to rejoice when things are going our way, however we are called to "rejoice in the Lord always." What challenging situation in your life is God asking you to rejoice in, and to thank Him for?
Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.
God, we thank you for your will for our lives. Thank you for freedom from stress, anxiety, and hopelessness. Help us to follow you in this; we desire your will and your ways. Let your will be done in our lives, in every part of our lives! In Jesus name, amen.
Leader: Break into groups of three and take time to pray for each other. This is important!
Leader: Break into groups of three and take time to pray for each other. This is important!
Start doing. Commit to these steps and live them out this week.
Look up some of the scriptures from the weekend and dive into God's word!
Spend time each day thanking God for the uniqueness of your day. Thank him for your challenges/opportunities to grow that are in front of you that day. Take it one day at a time and see how your life can be transformed!
Spend time each day thanking God for the uniqueness of your day. Thank him for your challenges/opportunities to grow that are in front of you that day. Take it one day at a time and see how your life can be transformed!