#9. Rejoice, Always!

*** This week's message encourages a scriptural response to the sensitive topics of anxiety and depression. If you are within the ICB family and struggle with these issues, we welcome you to write pastoralcare@icbspain.com at any time for further guidance. If you are a part of a global audience and feel the need to meet with someone for biblical or professional counselling, we strongly encourage you to do so.*** In this week's message Discipleship pastor Nick Seders continues our series in Philippians with teaching from Philippians 4:4-9 on how to rejoice, always! . . . Reflection Questions - How do I usually handle worry and despair? - What keeps me from casting my cares on the Lord? - How has God already granted me peace? Challenge - Work through any worry that arises this week by taking it to God in prayer and leaving it there. Scripture - Philippians 4:4-9 Guide for Reflection - Reread Philippians 4:4-9. - How does Paul connect feelings, thoughts, and actions (lifestyle)? - What commands do you see here? What are the promises attached to those commands? - How does God handle our anxiety? - What happens when we replace anxiety with “whatever is…”? - Take out a journal or scrap of paper. For two minutes, write down the things that are causing worry, fear, or despair. Once the two minutes have passed, go back and write a prayer of supplication (“Help, Lord!”) for each of those concerns. - Identify one way to bring peace into your sphere of influence. What are the anxieties of your community, and how can you point others toward peace in Christ?