Summary
This sermon addresses the normal human emotion of anxiety, particularly during the holiday season when emotional demands increase. Using the story of Martha from Luke 10, the pastor illustrates how anxiety often stems from legitimate concerns and pressures in our lives. Martha's anxiety arose from feeling overwhelmed while preparing to host Jesus and his disciples, with no help from her sister Mary. Jesus responded with tenderness, calling her 'my dear Martha' and redirecting her focus from many worries to the one thing that matters - being with Him. The message emphasizes that anxiety is not something to be ashamed of, but rather an invitation to turn our attention back to Jesus. The pastor shares that we must change our thinking from doing for Jesus to being with Jesus, from proving our worth to receiving His love, and from anxiety-fueled productivity to peace-anchored service.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today acknowledging that we all carry emotions and burdens that sometimes feel overwhelming. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through this time together. Help us to be vulnerable with one another and receptive to Your Spirit's work in our lives. Give us the courage to share honestly and the wisdom to listen well. We invite Your presence into our discussion and ask that You would use this time to draw us closer to You and to each other. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's your favorite holiday tradition, and what makes it special to you?
Key Verses
Luke 10:38-42
Ephesians 2:19-22
Psalm 139
Questions
Can you relate to Martha's experience of feeling overwhelmed while trying to serve others? Share about a time when you felt this way.
The pastor mentioned that anxiety often comes from 'legitimate concerns.' How does this perspective change the way you view your own anxious feelings?
Jesus responded to Martha with tenderness, saying 'my dear Martha.' How does knowing that Jesus responds to our anxiety with love rather than judgment affect you?
What does it mean to change from 'doing for Jesus' to 'being with Jesus' in practical terms for your daily life?
The sermon mentioned 'primal questions' that drive our emotional health (Am I loved? Am I wanted? Do I have purpose?). Which of these resonates most with you and why?
How can we practically 'stop striving' and recognize that we are already loved by God?
When anxiety begins to rise, the pastor suggested we 'pause, pray and reflect.' What makes this difficult to do in the moment, and how can we get better at it?
What truths about your identity in Christ do you need to speak over yourself when anxiety tries to take hold?
Life Application
This week, when you feel anxiety rising, practice the three steps mentioned in the sermon: 1) Stop striving and remind yourself that you are already loved by God, 2) Pause, pray and reflect, creating space for the Holy Spirit to work, and 3) Speak truth over yourself about who God says you are. Choose one specific truth from Scripture about your identity in Christ to memorize and declare when anxious thoughts arise.
Key Takeaways
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences, and we shouldn't judge ourselves for feeling it
Our anxieties often stem from legitimate concerns and pressures, not weakness or lack of faith
Jesus responds to our anxiety with tenderness and love, not dismissal or judgment
We need to change our focus from many worries to the one thing that matters - being with Jesus
The solution to anxiety is shifting from doing for Jesus to being with Jesus, from proving our worth to receiving His love
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and for the reminder that You meet us in our anxiety with love and tenderness. Help us to remember that we are citizens of heaven, members of Your family, and that our identity is secure in You. When the waves of anxiety threaten to overwhelm us, may we hear Your gentle voice saying 'my dear child' and find our peace in Your presence. Give us the strength to stop striving and the wisdom to focus on the one thing that truly matters - being with You. We commit to supporting one another in this journey and ask for Your Spirit to continue the work You've started in our hearts. In Your precious name, Amen.
