Calm my Anxious Mind

Philippians 4:6-9 NIV

Worry has a way of taking control of our minds. A small concern becomes a constant burden. An uncertainty becomes a worst-case scenario. Before long, anxiety begins to shape how we think, feel, and live. But God never intended for us to carry burdens He never asked us to bear. Instead, He invites us to bring our fears to Him, trust Him with what we cannot control, and fix our minds on what is true. As we learn to surrender our worries and rest in God's promises, we discover a peace that circumstances cannot take away.

1. During Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, what good would worry have done him? How would it have changed his circumstances?

2. Read Acts 16:22-28 — How did Paul deal with his anxiety in this case of imprisonment in Macedonia?

3. Describe a time you were anxious and peace came through prayer.

4. Read 1 Peter 5:7-10 — Anxiety is a feeling, and as with all feelings, is not good nor evil: our actions determine its morality. What part of our makeup controls our actions?

       a. In the passage, what actions does Peter tell us to take?

       b. How does knowing that we have a choice when it comes to anxiety affect your view of your worries?

5. Read Romans 8:5-6, 12-13 & Philippians 4:8 — How often do you find yourself filling your mind with useless, unworthy, stressful, etc. things? And how often do you justify it?

       a. Why do we let ourselves fall into those justification traps when we know peace is only found in God?

6. Read James 1:21-25 — Why is it so hard to change?

       a. What are you going to change this week in order to dwell more on God and things that bring peace?

7. What is your favorite verse or song about trusting God?

8. What anxiety is consuming your mind today?

       a. How specifically will you use Pastor Mike’s 3 Practical Steps to counteract your anxiety? (1. Take responsibility for what I can control. 2. Give to God what I cannot control. 3. Trust God through it all.)