Inward Prayer

Small Group Questions:

1. 1. Since last week, what steps have you taken to care for your mental health?
   2. Read Philippians 4:6-7 and come up with a few examples of your thoughts that are unlike the ones described in this passage. (E.g. “I’m anxious about…”, “I feel…”, “I am…”
   3. Encourage one another and speak truths against unhealthy thoughts. Think of things like those described in Philippians 4:6-7.
   4. If you or anyone you know is struggling, call 780-482-HELP (4357) to reach the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Distress Line.

Outward Prayer

THE MAIN POINT

Just as we all have the potential to be mentally unwell (like our bodies can be physically unwell), we all have the ability to improve our mental health. We do this by putting Jesus first, not making an idol of our thoughts and fears.

THE BIBLE

Matthew 6:24, 31-34, Philippians 4:6-7

THE CONTEXT

The Bible has many passages which speak to mental health. Some mention those suffering from hopelessness, sadness, and anxiety in both the Old and New Testament. This can give us comfort, knowing that over 2,000 years ago, the people of God struggled with their mental health too! Other passages share the steps we are to take to care for our mental health and nurture the thoughts which keep our eyes on Jesus.

In Philippians 4:8, we read:

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.”

There may be times we struggle with our mental health. This is understandable, and you are never alone in your suffering. However, that doesn’t mean we need to stay mentally unwell. Just as we all have the potential to be mentally unwell (like our bodies can be physically unwell), we all have the ability to improve our mental health.

When we choose to dwell on our anxieties and allow the enemy’s lies to invade our minds, we take our eyes off Jesus, no longer putting Him first.

In Matthew 6:24, we read:

“No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other…” (Matthew 6:24 CSB)

Jesus asks that we dwell on God-honouring thought and not put anything else before Him. We can make small changes to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”, (2 Corinthians 10:5), allowing Him to heal us from the inside out.

THE CORE

As you prepare the core of the message using personal stories and questions keep in mind these points:

• Just as we all have the potential to be mentally unwell (like our bodies can be physically unwell), we all have the ability to improve our mental health.
• When we choose to dwell on our anxieties and allow the enemy’s lies to invade our minds, we take our eyes off Jesus, no longer putting Him first.
• Jesus asks that we dwell on God-honouring thought and not put anything else before Him.

THE APPLICATION

As you prepare the application, challenge and/or encouragement, keep in mind these points:

• Since last week, what steps have you taken to care for your mental health?
• Have you been allowing your mind to dwell on things that are not of God? How do you think this has affected your mental health?
• Like last week, speak to those who may be suffering. Encourage them to reach out, tell them they are not alone and that Jesus wants to heal them.
• If you or anyone you know is struggling, call 780-482-HELP (4357) to reach the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Distress Line