The Journey Back From Anxiety

Mended Life Talk is designed to take you deeper into this past week’s sermon, helping you explore and understand biblical truths while applying them to your daily life. Our goal is to guide you in growing your faith, strengthening your relationship with God, and equipping you to face life’s challenges with a renewed perspective.

1. START TALKING.

Get the conversations started and dive into this past week’s scripture.

• Warm-Up Questions:

  1. What is one thing that has caused you anxiety recently, and how have you dealt with it?

  2. Can you recall a time when you felt overwhelmed but found peace through your faith?

2. START DISCOVERING.

Context is Everything! Anything stand out in this week’s scripture?

1. Read Luke 1:26-38:

   • What stands out to you about Mary’s response to the angel’s message?

   • How does the angel’s reassurance, “Do not be afraid,” apply to the anxieties you face?

2. Reflect on Philippians 4:8:

   • What does it mean to “fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy”?

   • How can this practice help us combat anxiety and focus on God’s promises?

3. Examine Luke 1:38:

   • Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

   • How does her trust in God’s plan inspire you to surrender your fears and uncertainties to Him?

4. Discuss the Triggers of Anxiety:

   • The sermon identified feelings of isolation, insignificance, and insecurity as common triggers for anxiety. Which of these resonates with you the most, and why?

   • How can leaning into community and God’s promises address these triggers?

5. Consider the Incarnational Message of Christmas:

   • How does the truth that “Jesus stepped into our humanity to become our way back to God” bring comfort in the midst of anxiety?

   • How does this shift your perspective on your current struggles?

3. START APPLYING.

Apply it to my life.

• Personal Reflection:
  Reflect on a specific area of your life where anxiety has taken hold. How can you apply the truths in Philippians 4:8 to redirect your thoughts toward God’s promises?

• Action Steps:

  1. Write down one thought or fear that has been overwhelming you.

  2. Replace it with a scripture promise that reminds you of God’s faithfulness (e.g., Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 8:28).

  3. Commit to meditating on this promise whenever anxiety arises this week.

• Challenge:
  Seek out one “life-giving” relationship this week where you can share your struggles and receive encouragement grounded in God’s Word.

4. START PRAYING.

Be bold. Pray with power.

• Group Prayer Focus:

  • Thank God for His presence and promises that provide peace in the midst of anxiety.

  • Pray for wisdom to identify and address the triggers of anxiety in your life.

  • Ask God for the courage to trust Him fully, even in uncertain and challenging circumstances.

• Personal Prayer:
  Spend a few moments in silent prayer, surrendering your fears and anxieties to God. Invite Him to work in your heart and mind, replacing fear with His peace.

5. START DOING.

Personal Response. Growing people change.

• Next Steps:

  • Reflect on Mary’s journey from anxiety to trust. What steps can you take this week to follow her example of surrender and faith?

  • Engage in Bible engagement rather than just reading. Choose one passage (e.g., Luke 1:26-38 or Philippians 4:8) and dive deep into its application in your life.

  • Connect with a trusted friend or mentor and share one area of anxiety where you need support and prayer.