Posted on October 14, 2018 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
October 14 – 20, 2018
Anxiety & Depression
By Debbie Kirk
This life has afforded me many moments of anxiety and seasons of a depressed spirit. Some have been a result of my own unwise choices, others a result of living in this fallen world. My childhood was a turbulent one, difficult to navigate, and lacked the truth and light I would find later in life.
Once I met my future husband Randy, his loving family, and Jesus through them, I was set on a trajectory of love and peace. Truth and light became a reality. We began our life together with its share of trials as God slowly reprogrammed my heart and mind from years of neglect. I felt joy like I never had before. Until I didn’t.
It might have had something . . . or a lot . . . to do with having 3 children under 4, being a young wife and mommy, and still new at walking with Jesus. I went through a season where my joy seemed to have left me and it didn’t feel good. I clearly remember saying, “I feel like I’ve lost my joy.” It brings tears to my eyes as I type this. First, because I had 3 beautiful reasons to be overflowing with joy. Growing up an only child, this was my dream to have these little ones gathered around me. Second, that feeling and season is burned vividly into my mind. It was hard. Lastly, it makes my heart sad when I think of others who might be in that place right now. I can relate to the description of complete darkness that Rob mentioned in today’s message. Anxiety and depression can paralyze us.
Rob said if he could choose one thing to say to someone struggling in this way, it would be to keep holding on because there is hope. Darkness CAN be overtaken. It comes with its share of waiting, groaning, praying, searching and confiding, but it is not permanent. The enemy tries to steal our joy, hide the truth and bombard our minds with sad lies. With the help of our Father, his Holy Spirit within us, and the truth of his Word, we can fight off the attacks that want to strip us of our peace.
Finding the root causes of our anxiety and depression can take some time and deep heart searching, but it will always be worth it. Rob’s courage in sharing his story is testimony to that. Know that there are people and resources to help us in our times of need. We are being called to be brave, humble ourselves, crawl if we have to, in the direction of community and our God that will hold us up when we feel weak and in despair. You are being prayed for and upheld even now.
God gave me this verse to declare during labor with each of our 4 children. He is still using it to encourage me today.
So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Do you feel like you are in a fog of anxiety or depression? Do you know someone who feels this way? Would you reach out to someone who will listen to you or reach out to that person in need? Remember you are not alone, God cares, people care and help is within reach. Would you pray and ask God for direction and guidance through his Holy Spirit on your next step towards healing?
CLICK HERE to access our Care page on the web, and all of the resources related to this series.
CLICK HERE to take the anonymous Truth: A Love Story Experience Survey.
CLICK HERE for a digital version of the card we shared today. It lists the 32 things that Paul declares we are in the book of Ephesians. As you read the focus verses above, and this list, which name or names is God inviting you to embrace? To live into? Or to speak into someone in your life who might need encouragement? Join us this week as we pray in our community for God to unlock identity and truth in each of us.
{personal reflection and bible reading plan}
As you read the verses each day, make notes of questions you have about what you’re reading as well as answering the reflection questions below. Grab a friend or two to discuss what you are learning and what God is doing in your lives.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: The crowds doubted, questioned and challenged Jesus. Had you been alive at the time, how might you have looked upon these scenes, and responded to Jesus’ actions? What do you hear Jesus teaching about the sabbath practice? Do you take time in your week to practice a sabbath (a set aside period of rest; worship)? Why or why not?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Take a close look at these verses. Note who you see present, what they are thinking or doing, and contrast that with what Jesus is doing and saying. What obeservations do you make? How do you wrestle with and resolve who Jesus says he is in your own life today?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Who do you relate to most here–the Pharisees, the temple guards or Nicodemus? What about Jesus has caused you to question the most? Share your thoughts and challenges with a friend or group that you trust.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Imagine yourself in the crowd in this scene. What would you be thinking? What would you fear? If Jesus were to say to you, "Go and sin no more," what in your life would that touch? How would you move forward from this type of encounter wtih Jesus? Take some time today to reflect on what you believe about Jesus, and perhaps what you have seen or felt him do in your own life. Pray your thanks to him, pray for any forgiveness you need, pray for those in your life who may need an experience with Jesus.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: In this scene, Jesus calls the people out for judging him by human standards. How else might they view him? How would you describe the invitation to follow Jesus? What does he mean when he says you will " . . . have the light that leads to life . . ."? What could it look like in our lives if we only did what we saw God doing? How might that impact our lives, our world?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: What do you struggle with that "enslaves" you? Holds you captive, or is beyond your control at the moment? How can you flip the script, and begin a different story in your life?
{community discussion questions}
We weren’t meant to experience the life of Jesus alone, so we encourage you to rally a few others to discuss what you are hearing, reading, and reflecting on together. Whether you are meeting as a Journey Community group, talking with a few friends throughout the week, or bringing up spiritual conversations around your table at home, feel free to use some of these questions as conversation starters on your journey.
Can you name a takeaway or challenge from the Sunday message?
How has that been relevant, challenging, or meaningful to your life this week?
What have you observed about God, Jesus, yourself, others, or God’s plan for you from these readings?
Where do you need a breakthrough from God this week?
Who do you need to share what you’re learning about God with?
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources).
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get a free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
Please visit us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and share what you are learning, questioning or experiencing. We love conversations!
