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Date: January 3, 2021
Overcoming Worry
The Point: God’s presence provides a way out of worry.
Get Into the Study
Use the following to introduce today’s session.
Dentists reported increases in teeth grinding and jaw pain among patients in 2020. Anecdotal evidence suggested anxiety from the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in physical stress symptoms, such as teeth grinding. A recent study in Israel and Poland appears to confirm this relationship.
Worry and anxiety have physical and emotional consequences. Oftentimes, realizing you are experiencing these consequences just leads to more anxiety. It can feel like a never-ending cycle. But there is a way out—trust in God.
Bring your group’s attention to The Point: God’s presence provides a way out of worry.
Live It Out
Use the following to conclude today’s session.
Ask: Who has made a New Year’s resolution for 2021? What has helped you keep your resolutions in the past?
Allow time for volunteers to share their responses. Then share the following:
A new study from Stockholm University and Linköping University in Sweden indicates that people who framed their New Year’s resolutions as positive approach goals rather than negative avoidance requirements were more likely to stick with them. Approach goals focus on actively doing something. Avoidance requirements focus on quitting or stopping something. For example, an approach goal of eating three servings of fruit per day was more successful than an avoidance requirement of cutting out refined sugar.
Ask: What are some approach goals or positive activities that can help us in overcoming worry?
Allow time for volunteers to share their responses. Emphasize positive actions such as prayer, trust in God, and Scripture memorization.
Encourage group members to choose one of the Live It Out statements to pursue this week.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What’s your favorite comfort food?
- What is your favorite way to relax?
- When was a time you felt carefree?
Psalm 23:1-3
- What does it look like for God’s goodness and faithful love to pursue us?
- How can we trust in God’s goodness during difficult circumstances?
- How has God’s goodness in the past helped you trust Him in the present?
Psalm 23:4-5
- How has God provided a table before you in the presence of your enemies?
- What are some everyday dangers that lead people to worry?
- What has helped you trust God through dark valleys?
Psalm 23:6
- What does it look like for God’s goodness and faithful love to pursue us?
- How does God’s character give us confidence in all situations?
- How should the promise of an eternal home in heaven affect our perspective on life in this world?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
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