Connected: A Collegiate MinistryBible Study

February 13, 2011

Under Pressure

Even the most confident person can experience anxiety

when adjusting to new and unfamiliar

circumstances.

Friends

Plans

personal health

clothes

popularity

money

Physical appearance

Grades

Dating

Changing relati onshipwith parents

When you were three years old, you had plenty of needs, but you lived in relative security and peace because you trusted your parents to provide for you. As you matured, not only did your needs become more complex, but you also began to realize that no human being, neither your parents nor yourself, could guarantee the future. The result is

worry, stress, anxiety, and pressure.

But this doesn’t have to be the case. By understanding the character of God and trusting in him like a child, worry is replaced by peace.

From the following verses - list characteristics of God that brought Jeremiah peace in the midst of difficulties:

Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah 31:3

Jeremiah 51:15

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

He made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding

How would you feel about God if He:

1.Knew everything and was all-powerful, but didn’t love you?

2.Loved you and knew everything, but was not all-powerful?

3.Was all-powerful and loved you, but didn’t know everything?

“Because God is loving, powerful

and knowledgeable,

I . . .”

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.

Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version, ©2010)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkKuexkWVNc

6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)

What does Paul say about worry?

Do you think he’s being unrealistic?

Instead of being anxious, what are we to do? How? What will the result be?

What’s the difference between positive thinking and “the peace of God?

Why do you think it matters to God whether or not we worry?

Because God loves me totally, knows

everything, and can do everything, I will stop

worrying about ________________.