Anxiety is a meteor shower of what-ifs. A trepidation. A suspicion. An apprehension. It’s living life in a minor key with major concerns. You’re part Chicken Little and part Eeyore. The sky is falling, and it’s falling disproportionately on you.
Ever been tossed and turned by anxiety? If so, you aren’t alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are reaching epidemic proportions. In a given year, nearly fifty million Americans will feel the effects of a panic attack, phobias, or other anxiety disorders.
The Bible is the most highlighted book on Kindle. And Philippians 4:6–7 is the most highlighted passage.1 Why? Read these verses (and the ones on either side), and you will probably understand its appeal:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
The most highlighted Scripture promises something our anxious world craves: peace. Throughout this study, we will talk about how to live in this promise of God’s supernatural peace. You and your group will walk through five sessions, each one dedicated to helping you find freedom from anxiety. You will learn what it looks like to rejoice in the Lord, how to exude a spirit of gentleness, and how to give all your worries to God. You will study the beautiful way God guards your heart and mind with his peace. And, finally, you will be challenged to examine your personal thought patterns and do what Paul charges you to do in Philippians 4:8—meditate on the things of God.