Philippians 4:4-13

The Big Idea: The antidote for anxiety is the Presence of God.

The Call:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” - Charles Spurgeon

1 Peter 5:7 

The Cadence:

• Rejoice in the Lord 

• Present your requests to God

• Get your mind focused - “Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” - Arthur Somersault Roche

• Actually Practice your faith

• Learn the Secret of Contentment - “One of the best anti-anxiety medications available is generosity. Helping others reduces stress by helping us feel valued and capable. Talking through someone else’s problems can give us wisdom for our own challenges - and motivates us to follow through.” - Adam Grant

The Key to it All: 

The Lord is near!

Response:

• Cast your anxiety on Him

• Practice your faith every day

• B.L.E.S.S. your Oikos

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's Passage: John 15:1-5

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)