The Purpose of this series: Trust god and do what He asks, Change your life and mind, Stability in your life creates stability in others’

Our hope for this study:

• Bring this problem into the light
• Destigmatize it
• Encourage believers to make the right kind of changes including medical help in some cases
• Equip people to help others

1. The Problem – brokenness – rebelliousness – creates darkness

1 in 4 will face a mental health challenge
So much fragility little stability –quick tempered –thrown off –angry –scared –anxiety –living on the edge of it’s the last straw
Dealing with it how – addiction – impulsiveness
Why? In my opinion, there are several factors
The world has become darker and the enemy is able to fight in the dark –an absence of light –He likes the color of dark
Like fish in denser water –exhausting – like people in stronger forces of gravity
Ideas have consequences

A. The Nature Problem — internal

Weaknesses are passed down genetically –mental health issues
Our own sin nature means we gain an appetited for certain sins because we build the appetite

B. Nurture –spiritual problem – family problems

We all had parents who tried hard but they were imperfect nurturers
We experienced broken –sinful people who sinned against us

C. A cultural time and influence problem

The world we live in influences us – celebrating wrong things
The internet –social media –etc..
Constant distraction and business

D. Spiritual Issues – an enemy who deceives us

This all can leave us – distracted and off course — fragile — etc…

Unhealthy lifestyles bring consequences – physical health
Lack of real–authentic relationships that are supportive – based on truth — and life-giving

Because of this, we all have issues to manage – in this case mental health

Recognize there is a problem – for believers as well
1 in 5 Americans – live with a long-term mental health condition
Most today live with moderate to acute mental stress

The cursed world –  Ephesians 4:17–20 (NIV)

Even a struggle for us who believe: Romans 8:22–24 (NIV), 2 Corinthians 1:3–5 (NIV)

2. How do we deal with it – get back to the Lord’s way of dealing with things

Hardwired to connect
We manage it – like asthma
There are things we can do to help us but we are prone to struggle
Science confirms what scripture says
Increased isolation from a real relationship with God and others has led to increased mental illness

Matthew 22:37–40 (NIV), Jeremiah 6:16–21 (NIV)

Gods’ way is the way— Run the race marked out for us

Hebrews 12:1–4 (NIV), Hebrews 12:7–13 (NIV)

A. God’s Word reveals the light unto the path God wants to take – the race marked out

Scripture reveals living a life God has designed for us
We will be talking about this in this series – rest –health–

Psalm 119:105 (NIV) — 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

B. We need to simplify our life – get rid of all that hinders AND the sin…

Not add something else – its simplify your life
Sometimes we want to keep doing what we are doing (that which is causing us to be exhausted – spent—but we just want a pill – or drug that will help me do it longer and better
Some do need medical help but we need more than that

Question: If I were to ask you what you have to do this next week – what would you say?

C. We need a change of mindset – God does discipline us and train us and He is thinking eternally

When things get hard – not if – the enemy speaks
Hard things are because He loves us
When He disciplines or trains it’s because He wants something – pressing in—changing direction – but reflecting on your relationship with God is paramount
We say no! He does love me — He will work for my good

Hebrews 13:5–6 NIV, Hebrews 6:19 NIV

D. Intentionally, proactively take steps to make your path straight – your future

For yourself – make the changes necessary—Gods prescription for life

Take steps towards Godly relationships that remind us who and what we have

Hebrews 3:12–13 (NIV), Hebrews 10:23–25 (NIV)

Hebrews 12:14–17 (NIV), 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

What do you need to get rid of so that you can embrace God’s plan for your life?

Business with good things can be more problematic than sinful things
What sinful things must you get rid of
Make a straight path to the Lord’s destination for you –start embracing God’s way of dealing with our struggle is for us to be together
Are you in honest relationships with other believers

For Small Group Discussion:

Opening Question:

What is the craziest wildlife encounter you have had? Main Point: The main idea is to have a healthy connection with God.  How we view God directly impacts how we see ourselves.  We hope our group members leave the discussion with a renewed rhythm of meditating on the character and face of God.

Read/Tell the Story: 1 Samuel 17: David and Goliath

Questions:

Head – What prevented the Israelite army from standing up to the Philistines? What does this say about their true beliefs in God?

What was David’s response to the threat of Goliath?
While the rest of the Israelites were afraid, what gave David confidence?

Heart – David describes being rescued by God from a lion and a bear; in what ways has God been faithful to deliver you in the past?

How has God prepared you in the past for circumstances in your life?
David had to shed the armor to be successful. What things have you had to shed in order to have a healthy connection with God?

Hands – What aspect of God’s character would be most helpful for you to meditate on currently?

What can you do to help your relationship with God be full of faith, like David’s?

Supporting Scripture: Hebrews 12:1, Psalm 27, Psalm 16:5-11

Tips and Resources: Emotionally Healthy Relationships by Peter Scazzario, Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson

There are many more resources for this series linked at: https://realliferesources.org/current-series/mastermind/