Mental Help: How to Manage Stress

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Philippians 4:4-9 AMP

What is something in your life that has brought you hope or momentum for the future?

This past weekend, we talked about how worry fills our minds, anxiety takes our joy and fear wants to control our life. Read Matthew 6:24-35. What stands out to you about Jesus’ words?

In verse 26, Jesus says we are more valuable than the birds and flowers that he so beautifully clothes. How could this relate to your future thoughts regarding your own life?

Worry has a way of hijacking our imagination. What’s a way we can productively use our imagination to counter the attacks of worry?

God, we thank you for your will for our lives. Thank you for freedom from stress, anxiety, and hopelessness. Help us to follow you in this; we desire your will and your ways. Let your will be done in our lives, in every part of our lives! In Jesus name, amen.

Leader: Break into groups of three and take time to pray for each other. This is important!

Look up some of the scriptures from the weekend and dive into God's word! Spend time each day thanking God for the uniqueness of your day. Thank him for your challenges and opportunities to grow that are in front of you that day. Take it one day at a time and see how your life can be transformed!