Big idea
In our world today, we are all worried about many things. We are worried about the unknown, the unlikely, and the uncontrollable. Things that concern us include our finances, our health and the health those we love and care about, our relationships, upcoming decisions, and the list could go on and on. The question is, how do we respond when worry arises? Who do we turn to when we face circumstances beyond our control? Today we are going to talk about how Scripture calls us to turn to God when we are worried, who gives peace in the most difficult storm.
Break the ice
Who is the first person you go to when you are worried about something?
Small group questions
- Why do you think people are so prone to worry?
- What have you been worried about this week?
- Read Psalm 8:1-9. What do these verses teach us about God?
1O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,[1]
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
3When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?[2]
5Yet you made them only a little lower than God[3]
and crowned them[4] with glory and honor.
6You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Translation notes (4)
- 8:2 Greek version reads to give you praise. Compare Matt 21:16.
- 8:4 Hebrew what is man that you should think of him, / the son of man that you should care for him?
- 8:5a Or Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels; Hebrew reads Yet you made him [i.e., man] a little lower than Elohim.
- 8:5b Hebrew him [i.e., man]; similarly in 8:6.
4. Read Matthew 6:25-34. According to these verses, why can God be trusted?
25“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? 26Look 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? 27Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28“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, 29yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30And 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?
31“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
- Being very honest with yourself (and your group), do you trust God in the situations that you are worried about? Why or why not? How can trusting God bring comfort when you are worried?
- Read Philippians 4:8-9. What is the promise when we think about the things mentioned in these verses? Have you found that prayer releases you from fear or anxiety? Why or why not?
8And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
7. Have you completed your homework assignment for this week and made your box of things you are trusting God for? If not, why? If so, what things are you trusting God for?
Moving forward
Pair up in groups of two or three and spend some time talking about the things you are trusting God for. Next, pray for each other. Pray for the needs and concerns that have been mentioned. During your prayer, acknowledge that God is all powerful and capable of providing for each one of your needs.
Monthly memory verse
Wallpaper available for download in the Sagebrush App.
23Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
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