Overcoming Worry

Psalm 37:1-8 NKJV

Worry has a way of quietly taking control of our minds, shaping our decisions, and robbing us of peace. It pulls our attention toward what we can’t control and away from the God who holds everything together. This message explores how trust, delight, and surrender work together to loosen worry’s grip on our hearts. As we learn to shift our focus from fear to faith, we discover that real peace isn’t found in having all the answers, but in resting in the Lord who has proven Himself faithful time and time again.

1. Read Exodus 16:31-32; Deuteronomy 8:2-4; Deuteronomy 11:8-15; Psalm 37:3 — How did the people of Israel literally “feed on God’s faithfulness”?

       a. Read John 6:57-58 & Matthew 4:4 — How have you fed on God’s faithfulness, both physically and spiritually?

2. Pastor Hinz described worry as a “dagger of slander into God’s heart.” In your worry, have you ever tried to see yourself from God’s perspective?

       a. What helps you remember that he is a good Father?

3. Read Psalm 37:4 — This verse often gives people trouble because they worry that their desires are not worthy of God. Pastor Hinz said that “delight” actually means “to bear fruit” so if we read the verse “Bear fruit yourself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart,” what does that mean for our desires?

4. How many of you have read Psalm 119 from beginning to end in one sitting? Could you write such a love letter to God?

       a. Does anyone have a favorite verse from the chapter?

       b. How do you think David’s devotion to the praise of the Word of God affected his worry levels?

              i. What does that mean for us? Where does the level of devotion in the American church truly stand?

5. If you take the three “things” (nothing, everything, and anything) from Philippians 4:6, over which did you find yourself worrying, praying, and thanksgiving this week?

6. Pastor said we carry around our baggage of worry. How many times did you put it down and pick it up again this week?

       a. Do you have any practices that help you leave it in God’s hands?