Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? You’re not alone. In this week’s message, Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt explores the powerful themes from the movie *Inside Out 2* and how they relate to the real-life battle many of us face with anxiety. Just as the characters in the movie navigate their emotions, we often find anxiety trying to take control. But there’s hope! Join us as we discuss the rise of anxiety in today’s culture, what the Bible really says about it, and practical ways to overcome it through faith. Discover how worship, a shift in perspective, and understanding God’s greater story for your life can help you face anxiety head-on.
Notes 📓✏️:
At the Movies – Inside Out 2 – Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt
1. Anxiety has been on the rise in our culture over the last 4 years (during and after COVID).
2. People from all walks of life deal with anxiety.
3. Anxiety does not negate our relationship with God.
4. Some of us deal with chronic anxiety. Some of us deal with times of anxiety.
5. If you don’t deal with anxiety, have grace for those who do.
6. Overcoming anxiety was a process, not an event.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV); “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV); “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 42:5 (NIV); “Why, my soul, are you downcast?”
Why so disturbed within me?
The more you look down, the more weight you carry.
Psalm 123:1 (NLT); “LORD, I look up to You, up to heaven, where You rule.”
First, realize you have an ANT problem.
Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs)
Dr. Daniel Amen; “Cynical, gloomy, and complaining thoughts that just seem to keep coming all by themselves,” like, “My presentation is going to go horribly today, and I’ll look stupid.”
Second, worship is your weapon.
Philippians 4:4 (NIV); “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Sometimes you worship because you had a victory!
Sometimes you worship because you need a victory!
Before you battle, you will worship.
Luke 6:45 (NLV); “The mouth speaks of what the heart is full of.”
Third, remember the greater story you are a part of.
You are a child of God.
You are created on purpose and for a purpose.
God is greater and more powerful than the challenges you’re encountering.
You are not alone.
You are loved.
Lastly, understand anxiety is not your identity.
As followers of Jesus, we live in the tension of Already, but Not Yet.
“Experience the peace of God, which transcends all understanding…”
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- Why do you think anxiety has been on the rise in our culture, especially after the events of the last few years?
- Pastor Jeremy mentions that anxiety does not negate our relationship with God. How does that make you feel or change your perspective about experiencing anxiety?
- In Philippians 4:6, it says, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ What do you think this verse teaches us about dealing with anxiety?
- Pastor Jeremy describes worship as a weapon against anxiety. How do you think worship can help someone dealing with fear or anxiety?