Calm My Anxious Heart

Adapted from the book Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow, learn to move past a temporary feeling of happiness to a steadfast satisfaction that comes from within.

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Finding Contentment in God’s Perspective

Contentment can feel elusive in a culture that constantly pushes us to want more. But biblical contentment is not about getting what we want—it’s about trusting who God is.

J.I. Packer said it well: “Contentment is essentially a matter of accepting from God’s hand what He sends because we know that He is good and therefore it is good.” This is a faith-filled mindset rooted not in our temporary circumstances but in God’s eternal character.

Paul understood this when he wrote in Philippians 4:12 that he had learned the secret of being content in any situation. How? By seeing life from God’s perspective.

We tend to see only what’s in front of us. But God sees the whole picture—the past, present, and future. His perspective is comprehensive and trustworthy. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that He has good plans for us, and Isaiah 40:28-31 paints the picture of a God who never grows weak or weary, and who gives strength to those who wait on Him.

The key to accessing this perspective is through His Word. When we fill our minds with Scripture and align our hearts to God’s truths, we learn to see things differently. That shift in perspective brings peace, purpose, and deep contentment.

2 Timothy 3:16 teaches us that all Scripture is useful to shape and prepare us. And 2 Peter 3:8-9 reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when we don’t understand it.

So if you’re struggling with contentment, maybe the solution isn’t a change in your situation—but a shift in your perspective.

Talking Points:
  • Contentment is a state of peace separate from our circumstances. J.I. Packer says, “Contentment is essentially a matter of accepting from God’s hand what He sends because we know that He is good and therefore it is good.” Philippians 4:12
  • The key to our contentment lies in our perspective. Our perspective is limited. God’s perspective is limitless. He sees past, present and future. He knows the whole story from beginning to end so his perspective is more comprehensive and therefore more valuable to us. Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 40:28-31
  • The more we read God’s word, and apply it to our lives, the more our lives will be filled with God’s perspective. And, the more we understand his perspective, the more content we will become. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 3:8-9

Discussion:

  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?

  2. Share about a person in your life who seems to have it all yet never seems satisfied. Why do you think they struggle to be satisfied?

  3. Do you know someone who doesn’t have much yet seems at peace with their life? To what would they attribute their peace and happiness?

  4. Think about the definition of contentment. Have you ever experienced a time when you were scared but had a peace about the situation? Explain.

  5. Read Isaiah 40:28-31. J.I. Packer says that we can trust God because he is good. Do you believe that? Explain.

  6. Read Philippians 4:12. What do you think Paul’s secret to contentment was? How does our perspective change our outlook on life? Give an example of how your attitude affected the way you experienced something.

  7. Why is it that we tend to learn more from the harder things in life than from the good things? How has God used a challenge in your life to strengthen you?

  8. Read 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:8-9. How does God’s word help us in life? How will learning more about God’s ways help you face future struggles?

This lesson has been adapted from Linda Dillow’s Calm My Anxious Heart novel.

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Finding Contentment Through Prayer and Peace

In a world full of stress and uncertainty, it’s easy to fall into the trap of worry. But the Bible gives us a better way to deal with life’s challenges: through prayer, thanksgiving, and a shift in perspective.

Philippians 4:6 tells us not to worry about anything, but instead to pray about everything. This doesn’t mean pretending life is easy. It means learning to take our anxieties to God, knowing He cares and has a plan. When we pray with thankful hearts—remembering what God has already done—we re-center our thoughts on His goodness and power.

The next verse, Philippians 4:7, reveals God’s part: when we pray, He promises peace. Not just any peace, but a peace that surpasses human understanding. It’s a kind of peace that guards our hearts and minds even when our circumstances don’t change.

The Apostle Paul doesn’t stop there. In Philippians 4:8, he encourages us to focus our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Contentment begins with what we choose to think about. When our minds dwell on the goodness of God, it becomes easier to find peace and joy—even in the middle of a storm.

If you’re battling worry or struggling to find peace, try these simple, practical steps:

  • Stop and pray about the exact thing that’s worrying you.

  • Memorize Philippians 4:6 to help shift your focus.

  • Thank God for what He’s already done in your life.

  • Choose to dwell on what’s good, positive, and praiseworthy.

Contentment doesn’t come from a change in circumstances—it comes from a change in perspective, grounded in God’s promises.

Talking Points:
  • Our part: Don’t worry but pray with thankful hearts. God wants us to think about his perspective first. Philippians 4:6
  • God’s part: He will give us peace. When we turn to God in our time of struggle, he promises to be there and to grant us peace. Philippians 4:7
  • Here are some practical things we can do to overcome worry to find contentment:
    – Stop and pray specifically for the thing that is bringing worry
    – Memorize Philippians 4:6
    – Remember the things God has already done in your life for which you are thankful
    – Choose to focus your thoughts on the positive things

Discussion:

  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?

  2. On a scale from 1-10, how often do you worry? Where would your friends and family place you?

  3. Think about a situation that is bringing you angst. What do you fear the most regarding that situation?

  4. Read Philippians 4:6. Why is worry an unhelpful response? How does prayer help us? How does being thankful for the past help us for the future?

  5. Read Philippians 4:7. What does God’s peace feel like to you? Why do you think we’re promised peace and not something else?

  6. Read Philippians 4:8. Why does it matter what we choose to think about? How can the 4 practical steps help you to find contentment in your current trial?

This lesson has been adapted from Linda Dillow’s Calm My Anxious Heart novel.

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Finding Contentment in Who God Made You to Be

If you’ve ever wished you looked different, had a different personality, or lived a different life, you’re not alone. But the Bible tells us that God made each of us with intention and care. You are not a mistake. You are a masterpiece.

Psalm 139:13-16 teaches that God personally formed every part of us. He saw us before we were born and carefully knit us together in our mother’s womb. That means your height, your personality, your strengths, and even your struggles were known to God—and none of them are accidents.

We often find it hard to embrace who we are because we compare ourselves to others. But God doesn’t compare us. He calls us to trust Him with the unique story He’s writing in our lives.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan. Whether you’re single, married, widowed, a stay-at-home mom, or a high-powered executive, God has placed you exactly where He wants you. Your story is not just valid—it’s divinely designed.

Finding contentment means trusting that the same God who created you has also equipped you for every role you’ll play in life. When we let go of the comparison game and begin to see ourselves through God’s eyes, we start to experience true peace.

This lesson is adapted from chapters 3–4 of Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow.

Talking Points:
  • God created you just the way he wanted you. He didn’t make a mistake when he made you tall or short or a redhead. The Bible says that he fashioned each of us together just the way he wanted to create a unique piece of art designed for specific purposes. Psalm 139:13-16
  • We need to embrace our story. We need to accept the roles God places in our lives whether it’s wife, widow, single, mother, rich, or poor. God has already written our story and has equipped us with the traits and tools to fulfill our purpose. Jeremiah 29:11

Discussion:

  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?

  2. If God let you have a do-over, what physical traits would you want to change? What about in your personality? Explain.

  3. In your opinion, why are women typically dissatisfied with their appearance? Why are women so adept at the comparison game?

  4. Read Psalm 139:13-16. Identify all that this passage says about how God created you. How should this change the way you view yourself?

  5. Share some of the significant storylines or roles of your life. How have you seen God prepare and equip you for those roles?

  6. Read Jeremiah 29:11. Identify some of the highlights of your life. How did those events benefit you as a person? Identify some of the lowlights of your life. How did those events shape you as a person?

  7. What do you need to start doing to find contentment in who you are and what you do?

This lesson has been adapted from Linda Dillow’s Calm My Anxious Heart novel.

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Contentment, Forgiveness, and Misplaced Worship

If you’re struggling to find contentment in your relationships, you’re not alone. Many of us feel disappointed because we expect others to be perfect—even when we ourselves are not. But lasting contentment doesn’t come from controlling or fixing others. It comes from examining our own hearts and choosing to forgive.

We will never be at peace if we focus only on the flaws of others. Relationships break down when we demand perfection from imperfect people. And it’s crucial to remember: we’re imperfect, too. Healing begins when we own our part in the problem.

Forgiveness plays a major role in this healing. Colossians 3:12-13 urges us to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, and patience—just as the Lord has forgiven us, we are called to forgive others. When we forgive, we don’t just release the other person—we release ourselves from bitterness and pain.

A.W. Tozer warned that we often reverse God’s order. We serve things and use God, when it should be the other way around. In Exodus 20:4, God commands us not to make idols of anything—because when we elevate stuff, status, or even people above God, our hearts drift and our relationships suffer.

True contentment is found when we prioritize God over everything else and extend the same grace to others that we’ve received from Him.

Talking Points:
  • We will never find contentment if we only focus on the imperfection in others. We will be miserable if we expect perfection from imperfect people. And we are imperfect, too, and need to realize the part we play in failed relationships.
  • Forgiveness is a necessary step in healing a relationship. Extending forgiveness is what frees us to move on from the junk to a place of healing and reconciliation. This is what Jesus did for us. Colossians 3:12-13
  • A.W. Tozer said it like this: “Within the human heart things have taken over. God’s gifts now take the place of God, and the whole course of nature is upset by the monstrous substitution. We have mixed up what we serve and what we use. Sadly, many serve things and use God.” Exodus 20:4

Discussion:

  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?

  2. Share a time when you felt hurt or betrayed by someone. What was your emotional reaction to that situation? What happened with that relationship?

  3. What happens when we put too much stock in our relationships? Why is it dangerous to expect perfection from others?

  4. What are some of your imperfections that get in the way of having healthy relationships?

  5. Read Colossians 3:12-13. List all the qualities you should possess. How could these qualities change your relationships? Why is forgiveness so freeing?

  6. What are your most prized possessions? Why are those things so important to you?

  7. Re-read the quote from A.W. Tozer. How have you been guilty of worshiping your stuff instead of God?

  8. Read Exodus 20:4. What are some practical things you can do to start prioritizing God over everything else?

This lesson has been adapted from Linda Dillow’s Calm My Anxious Heart novel.

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Choosing Faith Over Worry

Worry is something we all battle—but according to Jesus, it adds no value to our lives. In Matthew 6:31-33, He reminds us that worry won’t add a single moment to our life. In fact, it often does the opposite: it chokes out our hope and warps our perspective.

Worry leads us to believe the lie that we’re in control and must solve everything ourselves. But Jesus offers a better way—faith. Faith is not passive. It’s a deliberate choice to surrender control and trust God instead. Psalm 18:2 describes God as our rock, fortress, and deliverer—someone we can rely on completely.

Romans 8:28 brings it all together. God is not distant or detached. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and fully committed to working all things together for the good of those who love Him. Even in seasons of uncertainty, we can find peace knowing that God is for us.

When we worry, we act like those who don’t know God. But when we trust, we reflect our faith in a God who sees, cares, and works on our behalf.

Talking Points:
  • The truth is, worry adds no value to our lives. It has no power to bring about productive change. All it does is choke out hope and proper perspective. This is why Jesus tells us not to worry. Matthew 6:31-33
  • Faith is the antidote to worry and the bridge to true contentment. Faith is releasing any control we think we have and letting God lead the way. Psalm 18:2
  • God is the all-knowing creator of everything. He has the power and the desire to work all situations in our lives for our good. Romans 8:28

Discussion:

  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?

  2. What does worry look like to you? How has the long shadow of worry held you back in your life?

  3. Read Matthew 6:31-33. Jesus says that worry is what unbelievers do who don’t know God. How should that challenge us as believers?

  4. Define faith in your own words. Why is faith important to overcoming worry?

  5. Read Philippians 4:6-7. What are some of the areas where you need to trust God more? What are some practical things you can do to stop worrying and start trusting God?

  6. In the past, how have you judged God based on your circumstances? How did that affect your relationship with God?

  7. Read Psalm 18:2. Identify all the things this verse says about God. Why is he worthy of our trust?

This lesson has been adapted from Linda Dillow’s Calm My Anxious Heart novel.

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