There’s Too Much To Worry About
Reflect/Discuss
• What causes you stress and anxiety?
• Have the things you’ve worried about turned out the way you expected?
Consider
There are many things in our lives that cause us stress. While some things are legitimate problems, others turn out to be nothing at all. The worrying that we do results in a lot of wasted time and emotional energy.
Stress comes from thinking about the worst possible outcomes when we don’t even know what the future will hold. That’s why Jesus tells us to not worry about tomorrow. It doesn’t benefit us and won’t change the future. And in the context of this passage, Jesus reminds us that God will take care of us.
Act
• Throughout your week, write down the things that you are anxious about. Review them later on and see which ones turned out the way you expected.
• Whenever you start worrying about anything beyond today, redirect your focus on how you can make the most of the present moment. If there is action you can take, do it! Otherwise, focus only on today.
“Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:27-34 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.6.27-34.NKJV
You Can’t Do It Alone
Reflect/Discuss
• Do you know someone who seems stressed out over nothing? Is that you?
• Have you ever had your anxiety relieved by encouragement by another?
Consider
Stress and anxiety often grow in isolation. We take on burdens ourselves and don’t let anyone else know about them. Worry tends to linger around, so we are constantly pulled back and held down by our own anxiety.
But when we are in community, we can share our struggles. Even the act of talking about our burdens will make them lighter. We open ourselves up to support and encouragement from others. Sometimes we worry about little things, and getting an outside perspective can help us realize that we have nothing to stress about.
Act
• Share the things that give you anxiety with a friend, and ask for prayer, advice, and perspective.
• Make a list of people you can talk to when you feel anxious, and ask them to be your go-to people for support.
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.12.25.NKJV
https://youtu.be/Ppd84EjpqwE
God Knows Your Struggle
Reflect/Discuss
• Do you ever feel like your problems are either too small or too big for God?
• What things in your life do you try to manage on your own, apart from God?
Consider
We get our stress from all the things we try to manage on our own. We try to manage on our own because we think our concerns are too insignificant to matter to God, or they’re too big or complicated for God to handle. Sometimes we just don't want to admit that we need help.
But the Bible tells us to give all our concerns to God - big and small. He genuinely cares about us and is intimately involved in our lives. God may take care of some obstacles for us, and He may strengthen us and be with us as we handle other challenges. Simply making space for God to enter our lives will push out our anxiety and invite in His peace.
Act
• Start a journal in which you write down the things that cause you stress daily. Then give them over to God by crossing them off your list.
• Identify the times during the day when you feel the most stress. Set aside a few minutes as intentional prayer time.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
I Peter 5:8 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/1pe.5.8.NKJV
The Source of Peace
Reflect/Discuss
• How do you try to calm your own stress and anxiety?
• Have there been times when you’ve felt at peace when the situation is stressful?
Consider
We look to a lot of different solutions to get rid of our anxiety such as therapy, meditation, exercise, medication or entertainment. Some of these coping mechanisms are good and helpful for managing stress. But we should go to God as our first response, not as a last resort.
The Bible tells us to share all of our concerns with God, not just the ones we really need help with. It’s through continuously inviting God into our lives that His peace starts to transform us. It’s a peace so deep that it’s unexplainable, but can only be experienced when we have that constant connection with Him.
Act
• Make time with God a daily priority for you. Use a calendar or an app to track the days you spend in prayer and the Bible, and see how long you can go.
• The Bible verse talks about petition and thanksgiving as a part of prayer. Follow a model in your prayer to help you focus your thoughts. A popular one is A.C.T.S. - Adoration (praise God), Confession (admit your sins), Thanksgiving (what you’re grateful for), and Supplication (ask for what you need).
“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/php.4.6-7.NKJV
https://youtu.be/KVVg-QLBecE
There’s Some Work Involved
Reflect/Discuss
• What are some of the triggers that cause you stress?
• What are some of your default habits when you are anxious?
Consider
Being calm in times of stress isn’t something that will come easily. We are constantly fighting against our old habits and all the distractions in our lives. God will give us His peace, but part of the process of receiving it is to refine our character. There’s some work that we need to put in ourselves.
The Bible tells us that we experience His perfect peace when our minds are determined and unwavering. That comes from trusting in God and keeping our focus on Him. When our focus is on God’s love and power to take care of us, it blocks out all other doubts and negativity that try to convince us we have to manage on our own. The practice of focusing our minds on God, or mediation, strengthens our relationship and reliance on Him, giving us greater peace.
Act
• Our minds are connected to our bodies and focusing our minds often involves taking care of our bodies. Focus on healthy physical habits this week like eating healthy foods and exercising to help clear your mind to focus on God.
• We tend to jump into prayer time with all of our stress, then go on with our day when we’re done talking to God. We don’t allow time for His peace to work in us. In your prayer times, set aside time to just sit in silence and listen. Clear your mind of your thoughts and let God speak.
Thank you for exploring the Scriptures with us in this Bible Plan by Guidelines. If you would like to receive free daily devotionals that you can read or listen to, visit https://www.guidelines.org/devotionals/ to browse and subscribe.
I hope you have enjoyed this Bible Study. Managing stress and anxiety can be hard doing it alone. We have Jesus to help us with everything we are going through. God bless you.🙏🏾😇❤️