10-16-2022 Triggered: Worry

ICEBREAKER
Would you rather get a "we need to talk" email from your boss or get a voicemail from your doctor asking you to call them back immediately?
Would you rather get stuck in traffic when your flight boards in an hour or have to parallel park into a tight space during rush-hour traffic?

We’re discussing a new teaching series from Pastor Jim called Triggered and during this series, we’re  exploring various emotions that are easily triggered in us, the commands Jesus gives us about those emotions, and how to manage them. This week we're talking about worry.

REVIEW & DISCUSS

1. What are some common things that you tend to worry about?
2. Read Matthew 6:25-27.
3. What do you know or remember from Jim's message about the meaning behind the word for "worry"? It can be translated as concern, worry, or be anxious.
4. What's the difference between having concern for someone or about something, being worried about someone or something, and being anxious or having anxiety? Remember, clinical anxiety should be taken seriously and professional help should be sought.
5. The English word "worry" has its roots in the Old English word "wyrgen" which means "to strangle." A less known use of the modern word "worry" is "to gnaw at, tear, or drag around with the teeth" like a dog "worrying" a bone. How is "worrying" like gnawing on a bone?

TAKEAWAY

1. What's your bone? What do you tend to worry about or obsess over the most? Finances? Health? Safety? Politics? Image? Job performance?
2. Catch It - What feelings do you usually have or things do you usually do when you worry? Chew your nails? Have a tight chest? Nervous ticks? Leave extra early? Ponder repetitively?
3. Name It - Worry is not an emotion. As Brene Brown says, "Worry is the thinking side of anxiety." What emotions are you actually experiencing when you worry? Be specific. Take a look at the Emotions Wheel if you'd like help.
   • Do you feel afraid?
   • Do you feel dread?
   • Do you feel insecure or inferior?
4. Train It -
   1. What are some questions you could ask yourself about those emotions?
      1. ​What am I dreading? Why do I dread it?
      2. Why am I feeling so insecure? 
   2. What are some lies you can replace with truths?​
      1. ​I won't be okay if this happens.
      2. I can't control my worry.
5. Read Philippians 4:4-9. Walk through this passage and have each person name one practical thing that Paul tells us to do and give a real example of how they will do this in their own life.​

PRAYER
First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about feeling used by others. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer.