In My Head (Part 2): The Tale of Two Ditches
TO START A key part of discipleship to Jesus is allowing our minds to be renewed day by day. Because our minds play such a central role in following Jesus, it’s important for us as a church family to talk openly about mental health. Whether we’re wrestling internally or walking alongside others who are coming home to God, we can all grow in awareness and compassion as the Spirit renews our minds. In the second message of our In My Head series, we explore how people of faith can welcome God into our own challenging seasons and into the ways we walk with others through mental health difficulties.
TO READ: Philippians 4:4-9
TO DISCUSS:
(1.) If you could instantly remove one thing from the world that steals your peace, what would it be?
(2.) In Philippians 4:4–5 we’re encouraged to rejoice in God’s nearness while also practicing gentleness & graciousness toward others who may not perceive the Lord's goodness. When have you found yourself wrestling with that tension?
(3.) Who in your circles of relationship do you find yourself praying for often as they wrestle with some expression of mental unhealth? And what do you find yourself praying for them most?
(4.) In Philippians 4:8, the Philippians are encouraged to dwell on what is true, pure, and commendable. When you think about your own thought patterns, your attitude toward a situation, or your outlook on others, is there a particular mindset you’re currently asking the Lord to transform or help you see through His eyes?
(5.) In Philippians 4:9, Paul urges believers to keep practicing what they’ve learned and received. What is one concern or insecurity that sometimes keeps you from engaging or sharing more deeply in community?
TO CLOSE/TO PRAY: Consider closing group with this prayer exercise:
Leader: “Take a breath and let’s pause and remember that God is near–right here with us.” (30 sec)
Leader: Read Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” and then invite the group to respond, “name one thing that you’re grateful for.”
Leader: Read Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Then invite the group to respond to the following: “name the first thing that comes to mind that is bringing anxious thoughts right now”
Leader: Close with a prayer like this: “Jesus, let your peace guard our hearts and minds. Holy Spirit, give us one true and hopeful thought to hold onto today and renew our minds as we follow you, Jesus. Amen.”