PART 2 - ANXIETY

ALONE, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WOODS

In the film, Savannah, in a moment of vulnerability around a campfire, opens up about her anxiety. She explains that there are times when she is not sure she can get out of bed to face the day because of her anxiety. She even chose to stop going to college because of it. Sav takes a moment to share her struggle with people who are close to her and care about her, and that becomes a big part of her healing process. So, I want to remind you again, we need to let the right people in so they can help us carry them.

KEEPING OUR EYES ON JESUS

When we look at scripture, we can think all the Bible characters were perfect, but that's not the case. They were human just like us. One time, Jesus’ disciples were in a boat crossing a lake in the middle of the night when a huge storm kicked up. They were scared and Jesus was nowhere near them. All of the sudden, they saw what they thought was a ghost walking on the water towards them. Their anxiety level skyrocketed. As the figure got closer, they heard a voice say, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.”

They realized that, there in the storm, Jesus was near to them. When Jesus said, “It is I,” the original language would have been him saying, “I am”, which would have been a statement these Jewish men knew well; Jesus was saying, “I am God.” In this scene in scripture, a lot is happening. Jesus is letting the disciples know that he understands they are full of anxiety. He recognizes that life is full of storms, but he is also letting them know that he is God, and that when he is near, they don't have to be afraid.

God is not surprised when anxiety enters into our life, nor is He mad at us when we feel anxious. But he does want us to know that He is near, and when He’s near we can face all of life's storms with courage. It’s not wrong to have moments when we feel anxious or afraid, but God is calling us to have a default emotion of courage!

VERSES

Matthew 14:22-33

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 94:19

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What are some examples of things that cause us to have anxiety?

When Sav shared about her struggle with anxiety, was there anything she said that felt relatable to you?

Sav took a moment to be vulnerable with people who cared about her. Why do you think it’s important to share emotions with people who care about us?

Has there been a time when someone you love did a good job at listening and walking with you through a difficult season?

Jesus is not upset with the disciples for being anxious and afraid, but he does tell them that when he is near, they don't have to be afraid. What are some ways that we can stay near to Jesus?