Restoration Project, Lesson, Wednesday 6/7/2023, “Overcoming Fear & Worry”

Opening Prayer:  ___________________________ , Meeting Guidelines:  read, Weekly Update – How Is everyone doing?  How was your week?

·         What is everyone’s level of peace - Scale of 1 to 10, any major challenges, gratitude, praises?

Last week we talked about worry and anxiety.  As you went about your week this week was there anything that happened since last Wednesday that caused you to think of our discussion that you would like to share?  Group discussion.

 Was there anything you did (proactively) in response to our discussion?  Group discussion.

Lesson:  “Overcoming Fear & Worry”

We talked last week about worry and anxiety.  But God wants so much more for us than to walk through life full of fear, worry and anxiety.

“Do not be anxious about anything,” the Bible tells us in the book of Philippians, chapter 4, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Our instructions don’t stop there. The chapter goes on to tell believers exactly what we should focus on. And it’s not fear, terrorism, illness, death or evil.

^“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9, ESV, emphasis added).

We focused on three points and discussed them. 

1) Remind yourself of God’s goodness.  2) Because God is good, you can trust in Him.  3) Take advantage of the fact that God is always with you—by praying continually.

These are three essentials for how to overcome fear and anxiety biblically.  This week we will talk about four actions that we can take to push out fear and anxiety and replace it with love.

                If we are living in the flesh which each of us often does, we are not allowing God’s Spirit to lead our lives.  He wants to guide our steps.  All of our steps.  This is subtle.  But I assure you, if you have given your life to Christ and are placing Him on the throne in increasing measure throughout your life, God will guide you.  His Spirit will prompt you.  Then… you simply have a decision to make. 

 

Replacing Fear with Love: 4 Things to Do Instead of Being Afraid

So, now that we’ve gone over three essentials for how to overcome fear and anxiety Biblically, I want to add a few more helpful points for you. These four things are specific actions we can take, to push out anxiety, and replace it with love.

4) Instead of just sitting and worrying, do something about it!

One of the greatest ways for how to overcome fear and anxiety Biblically, is—SURPRISE!— to saturate yourself with Scripture. The verses listed in this post are just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. To continue pushing out fear with God’s love, study His Word. Memorize a few Bible verses about fear. Do a study or bible journal Joshua 1:9. Read Psalm 23 aloud, over and over again.

“…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (NIV)
Isaiah 55:11

From the verse above, we know that His Word is what will shape our perspective, away from fear, and towards His amazing love and perfect peace.

Have you been spending any time in God’s word as we go from week to week?  How is that working for you?  Group discussion.

5) Stay connected with the people in your life.

So many times in life, the devil uses our fears to isolate us. Have you ever thought, ‘nobody wants to spend time with me’, or ‘I’m not good/pretty/smart enough, so I’ll just stay away’? I certainly have! But just remember, your friends and family need you, and you need them! God designed us for community, with Him and with each other. Please don’t let Satan’s lies of fear keep you from sharing your story, listening to the concerns of others, and engaging in deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Even if you’re limited in how you can connect, you can always reach out via technology. FaceTime a friend, join a group and participate in the discussions, be sure and add thoughts to our string as well. Stay connected however you’re able!

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

How are you doing as it relates to staying connected?  Does staying connected come natural to you?  Group Discussion

6) Don’t just retreat inside your own fears…help someone else!

Likewise, if you’re fearful or upset about something, getting lost in your own head won’t help. I know I can’t be the only one who has succumbed to a spiral of fearful thoughts, before finally dusting off and deciding to focus on someone other than myself. Have you been there too?

Instead, let’s remember to shift those worries into ways to help others! Here are just a few ideas:

• Worried about making ends meet? Try volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen.
• Feeling discouraged? Write a note or text of encouragement to a friend or co-worker.
• Thinking you’re the only one suffering from XYZ? Find a local support group or online group, where you can share your experiences and help others who are going through something similar.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

Thoughts on serving others as a remedy to focusing on ourselves?  Group Discussion.

 

7) Finally, pray for others.

Another way you can help (and thus get outside of your own anxiety), is by praying for other people. If you’re riding out a storm, pray for your neighbors who are doing the same. Or if you worry you’re not “good enough”, pray for all the people out there who are growing up with even more anxiety and self-esteem issues than you might’ve experienced. Praying intercessory prayers for others, is such a great way to set aside your own issues, and remember that those around you also have many worries and concerns they’re grappling with. Perhaps you can ease their burden, and ask the Lord to give them peace, through your prayers.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 (NIV)

Do you find it difficult to pray?  Do you avoid it?  Have you found any creative ways to incorporate it into your day?  Group Discussion

I hope that these truths from Scripture help you worry and fear less, and love more! The more we can rely on God, and trust Him with every detail of our lives, the less fear we will have. Always remember, you are loved greatly by your Father in Heaven!

As you go about your week, remember this is a spiritual battle we are fighting!  Remember the enemy is cunning and baffling.  This life with God is an ongoing battle waged each day for each of us to either live for God or live for something else.  The something else in my experience – never satisfies.  It often fails us.  It ultimately leaves us wanting for more.  The “more” we are created to want is God.  He is the bread that satisfies.  Jesus said it himself. 

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.  John 6:35

I pray that you experience the richness of a relationship with God in an increasing measure this week.  I encourage you to spend quiet time with God.  He is waiting for you.  He looks forward to spending time with you.  He cherishes you.

Prayer requests?