Shaelin shares about how she broke through anxiety and depression with the help of God and his people.
Talking Points:
- Shaelin defined anxiety as a fear of everything. She feared what others thought of her and she was afraid to speak for herself.
- Shaelin tried different things to overcome anxiety, like dying her hair, piercing her nose, and joining a band. These were empty pursuits that drove her to party a lot and accepting abuse from a bad boss.
- When you’re in your head all the time with anxiety, you become inwardly focused. You miss out on what’s going on around you and how others are struggling, too.
- The answer isn’t found in ourselves. The ability to overcome fear and anxiety is found in a relationship with Jesus. It’s about accepting God’s love and plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Peter 5:7
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever known someone who struggled with anxiety or depression? What are some examples of that person’s behavior, or what are some words you’d use to describe that person?
- Shaelin tried to fill the void in her heart by getting piercings, hair coloring, and changing her lifestyle. Have you seen this pattern in other people or in yourself? What things did you/they do? What was the driving force behind those decisions?
- Read 1 Peter 5:7. Shaelin says that anxiety caused her to be inwardly focused. If you have struggled similarly or known someone who has, would you agree with her? Explain. What does God want us to do with our anxiety? What does it look like practically to give our anxiety over to God?
- Read Jeremiah 29:11. God has a plan for your life. How should this inform your fears and anxieties? What will you do moving forward to connect more to God so you can walk in his plans for your life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
