Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?
20th of February - 7pm Service
When anxiety attacks | Philippians 4: 4-9
Anxiety, the most common mental health issue of our age, dominates many people’s lives, robbing them of joy and peace. Although fear can be appropriate many people suffer from debilitating anxiety that is not really related to a specific measurable threat. For Christians it seems in stark contrast to ‘life in all its fulness’: John 10:10. People frequently say there are 365 commands not to fear in the bible ( debatable!) it is a normal emotion that exists alongside strong faith and we need to learn to respond to it with skill and faith.
1. In every situation.
(Philippians 4: 4-6) Anxiety can affect many areas of life - what are the experiences of Paul in the NT that had the power to cause him anxiety? ( 2 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 12: 7, Acts 20:23, 1 Cor 15:9, 2 cor 12) How do these give rise to anxiety? What has happened in our lives to shape our tendencies around worry? What areas of life easily give rise to worry? Can we eradicate it all? What are we aiming at?
2. Think about such things:
What are we thinking about? How do lies we believe and false perspectives lead to anxious thoughts? How do broken coping strategies ( eg hiding, controlling, escapism, numbing, obsessing) make it worse? How does what we think about shape our mental health and well-being? ( Job 3:25) What strategies can we use to help us think healthily? (e.g Bible encourages thankfulness - scientifically proven to improve mental health!). What is the role of repentance and the will? ( 2 Cor 10: 5 - captive thoughts - Isaiah 26:3 - perfect peace, James 1: 6 believe & not doubt). Jesus famously taught about worry in Matthew 6, what did he challenge us to do, and how did he reassure us?
3. Transcendent peace:
Transcendent means to rise above normal limits. Does God want us to be free from fear? Do not fear is the most common command in the bible, how does the indwelling Spirit enable us to supernaturally access God’s peace? How is anxiety related to hearts that are broken and minds that are discouraged? What is the role of the ministry of the Spirit in bringing peace to troubled minds? The story of `Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm ( Mark 4: 35-41) is a study on how humans react to being out of control, fearful situations, and storms! Jesus is at peace, and brings peace. What is the call of the church to cultivate “storm tamers”?