Above Anxiety (Part 2)

Introduction

Attention:

Backpack

Textbook

Blood pressure machine

Photo frame

Bacon and Eggs

Make burden lighter

Teens are anxious

Learn how to deal (Biblical)

Body

The Big Idea: Anxiety is a reminder to pray so that you can experience peace.

Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Anxiety Journey

Anxiety ---> Prayer --- > Peace

Starting point

Personal example: finding stuff to worry about

What are your thoughts on the statement, “do not be anxious about anything?”

Radical resistance

“Moving on” from anxiety

Easier said than done

The Philippians were anxious

Threats from outside the church

Threats from inside the church

Paul & Epaphroditus

Their needs (4:19)

We are anxious, too!

What can anxiety to do you?

Joy-killer

(Can be) self-absorbed

Physical symptoms: “unusual mood swings, irritability, anger, sweating, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, exhaustion, nervous twitching, decreased concentration and memory, nausea, shortness of breath, hair loss, weight gain or loss, panic, indecisiveness, canker sores, muscle tension, insomnia, self-medicating, high blood pressure, eating comfort foods, and reckless driving.”

Anxiety = heavy burden

Never meant to handle it alone

Illustration

Personal exhaustion (point back to backpack)

Application

Exhausted from anxiety?

Does “don’t be anxious” feel impossible?

Accept the radical challenge

Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Anxiety Journey

Anxiety ---> Prayer ---> Peace

Explanation:

According to this passage, how are anxiety and prayer related?

Prayer is the Christian response to anxiety.

Craig Groeschel: Anxiety is a reminder: “its time to pray.”

Its like an alarm clock

When you feel anxious, pray immediately

Prayer is where anxiety should lead you.

But, prayer = last thing

Ask: Hard to settle down to pray. Why?

Fight of flight

Quickly reacting to life threatening situations

Overreacting

But on the other hand...

Philippians: An Introduction and Commentary b. Encouragements to Prayer and Noble-Mindedness (4:4–9)

The possibility and reality of prayer give the rationale of the first words of the sentence which, by themselves, seem so impossible to obey

Remember how impossible?

God does impossible through prayer

Because… opposites

Bengel: “anxiety and prayer are more opposed to each other than fire and water.”

Water puts out fires, so makes sense.

Prayer life > anxiety life

Two ways prayer helps:

Supplication

Used with “prayer” a lot

“Prayer” = more general

“Supplication” = sense of need

The point: tell God what you need

“God, I need x.”

Thanksgiving

Untouched anxiety = ungrateful

Thanking God = ammunition

Faithfulness in the past > reach towards the future

Prayer = perfect response

Illustration

Alarm clock

Application

What is your prayer life like?

Do you take time to pray when anxious?

What can do to slow down?

Try to use every time that you are anxious as an opportunity to pray

Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Anxiety Journey

Anxiety ---> Prayer ---> Peace

Explanation:

Peace = God’s alternative to anxiety

A promise, or a principle?

Mental health considerations

Perhaps not immediate (personal example)

But always helpful (like deep breathing)

Prayer = 1 step closer to peace

Peace never far for the praying Christian

Ask: What doe the passage say about peace?

First, it is “of God”

God of Peace

Surpasses all understanding

Peace is bigger than us.

Greater than any anxiety

Guard your heart and mind

Ask: What sort of image does this create in your mind?

Peace as a garrison (military term)

Protecting you from anxiety (esp. not trusting God)

Fight for the peace that God wants you to experience

Illustration

Backpack (Part 2)

Application

How far?

What will it take?

Prayer

Counseling

Doctor/Meication

Take a step closer to peace tonight

Conclusion

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Bring your anxieties to God

Small groups

PRAY

Lesson Overview

The Big Idea: Anxiety is a reminder to pray so that you can experience peace.

Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Anxiety Journey

Anxiety ---> Prayer ---> Peace

Small Group Questions:

Why is fighting against anxiety so hard sometimes?

How does the phrase “do not be anxious about anything” challenge you?

What are some things that you need to pray to God about?

What can you do to improve your prayer life this week?

If you don’t feel peaceful immediately after praying, what can you do to be patient and hold onto hope?