Heart & Mind Part 3
Message Summary: What do you do when you’re feeling anxious? You may not be able to control the situation, but your response is always something you can control.
Anxiety in the New Testament Greek is “merimna” which is described as a physical burden that you carry around and it feels like it has power over your body. 94% of people experience “merimna” in some capacity. When we struggle with anxiety, we need to take the focus off ourselves and renew our minds (Romans 12:2).
Josiah reminded us of Toby’s message a few weeks ago where we have to pre-decide what we believe before things happen. It’s good for us to decide “God is good”. When troubles and anxiety arise, we can remember “Humble yourself, God is good, God is near”. We can choose to take the focus off our issues and put the focus on who God is and choose to focus on thanksgiving and gratitude. We have a practical step that has been scientifically proven to battle anxiety, which is choosing gratitude.
Anxiety is rooted in the what if.
Thanksgiving and gratitude are rooted in the what is.
- What is something you are currently feeling anxious or stressed about?
- How will you choose to shift your focus to God and gratitude this upcoming week when anxiety or stress arises?
- How do you see God is carrying you through this situation? If you haven’t recognized that yet, will you pray that God will shift your perspective and open your eyes to see how he has been at work?
1 Peter 5:5-9 – In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Romans 12: 2 – Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Matthew 11:28 – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
