Seeing Through the Fog Week 3
Sharable notes for the May 8, 2022 message. You can post these notes on your social platform!
Scriptures used: 2 Peter 2:19; Philippians 4:6-9; Romans 8:6; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Isaiah 26:3; Psalms 18:4-6; James 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Psalms 127:2; 1 Kings 19:13
“Think about how many other sins are connected to the root sin of anxiety. Anxiety about money will cause you to hoard or steal. Anxiety about succeeding will make you irritable and impatient with those around you. Anxiety about relationships will make you withdrawn or indifferent toward other people. Anxiety about what others think about you will make you lie or stretch the truth. If anxiety could be conquered, a mortal blow would be struck to many other sins.” John Piper
We don’t have to live in a state of worry just because it has become our familiar place. We, instead, can live in a place of peace and joy because that is God’s will for us.
We must train our minds to focus on godly thoughts.. When our mind wanders astray and wants to focus on things beyond our control, we have to reign it back in. When our thoughts drift to negativity and endless “what if’s”, we have to switch gears.
“I believe that, in a man’s life, the great secret of strength, and holiness, and righteousness, is the acknowledgement of God…As the thought of God dominates the mind, we may expect to find a life that shall be true and really worth living.” - Charles Spurgeon
Steps to begin to see through the fog of anxiety: discipline your mind, pray (any conversation with God), petition (specific requests to God), be grateful.
Reflect or meet with someone to discuss:
What do you find yourself worrying about the most in your life?
Do you ever feel like you are being controlled or mastered by your anxiety? What makes you feel that way?
Of the thoughts mentioned - discipline your mind, pray, petition, give thanks - which of these is the hardest for you to do? Why is that? What step can you take to grow in that area?
Click here for articles, podcasts and books from the Christian Counselors Educational Foundation on depression.
Click the image to start a new 7 day devotion in YouVersion:
Anxiety is a normal response to the uncertainties we face in life. But what we do with our anxiety—and how long we allow it to live within us—is the key. Join Dr. Charles Stanley as he defines this destructive emotion, shows you how to gain the upper hand, and helps you find God’s solution for anxiety once and for all, leading you to enjoy a victorious, faith-filled life.