Sermon Recap and Small Group Discussion Questions
As Pastor Chad reminded us on Sunday, Advent is NOT Christmas but the journey to Christmas. It is the preparation for the arrival of Jesus, the knowledge that our present circumstances are not where the story ends, there is an eternal hope waiting for us at the final destination!
One thing that is constantly attempting to destroy our hope is anxiety. Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 18.1% of the population every year? That is almost 1 in every 5 people suffering with a clinical diagnosis, not to mention the immeasurable more who experience general feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about an imminent event or uncertain outcome. Anxiety is a very real threat attempting to steal the hope we have in Jesus.
Thankfully, in addition to medication for those suffering from clinical anxiety disorders, we have also been given many spiritual tools to navigate these struggles in the day to day circumstances we face. Take note of these three simple yet powerful ways we can combat our feelings of anxiety!
- Take a walk with and toward hope. Let walking slow down your pace and enjoy the change of scenery and stimulation.
- Proclaim God's attributes to deliver hope into your heart. Remind yourself of who God is and what He has promised to do!
- Examine the anxiety you feel with God and hope will follow. Why do you feel the way you do? What is the fear or lie behind your anxiety? Identify it and ask God to speak truth into your heart.
We have also been gifted community to give us hope in the midst of feeling hopeless. Lean on one another, be a beacon of hope to your community and remember to reach out to someone you trust and ask for prayer when you are feeling as though you are defeated. This is another wonderful tool God has given us, each other!
There is an awesome sermon outline and a thorough small group guide on our online bulletin. Click here for insight on leading your group members and community to finding the true meaning of hope in their lives!
Journeying together,
Emily