Connect20-25 minutes
Connect with your group about life this past week and then discuss the following questions.
- When you were younger, what was something you worried about that feels insignificant now?
- When your mind is busy or stressed, do you tend to focus more on the past (“If only…”) or the future (“What if…”)?
Learn5-7 minutes
You will watch a short clip of the message from this series to set up your group discussion. The full version of the message is also available
online to reference before or after your group meeting.
Discuss20-30 minutes
- Worry was compared to a rocking chair—something that keeps you moving but doesn’t actually take you anywhere. Where have you experienced this in your own life?
- Jesus points to birds and flowers as evidence of God’s care. Why do you think Jesus uses such ordinary examples to talk about something as heavy as anxiety?
- Anxiety is often connected to control—wanting certainty about things we can’t control. Where do you feel most tempted to control outcomes instead of trusting God?
- Read Isaiah 26:3-4. In your own words, what does it mean to have a steadfast mind? How does that relate to experiencing peace?
- Read Philippians 4:6-7. What does this passage teach us about navigating anxiety?
- What steps can you take to experience God's peace this week?
*If this discussion stirs up personal feelings, our pastors would be honored to hear your story and journey with you. Email pastors@thecrossing.church to get in touch.
Pray10-15 minutes
Ask for prayer requests and then you may opt to pray the following prayer.
Heavenly Father, You see every anxious thought and fear we have. Thank You for reminding us that You care for us even more than You care for the birds and the flowers. Forgive us for the times we try to carry what was never ours to carry. Teach us to trust You more often.
Help us seek Your kingdom first—not just in theory, but in our daily lives. When worry is near, remind us that You are nearer. When we feel overwhelmed, remind us that You are close. Please give us Your peace—the kind that doesn’t depend on circumstances, but rests securely in Your promises.
We trust You today and tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Steps5-10 minutes
Between now and next week, here are some suggestions for action steps.
Attend the Weekend Service: Note any takeaways, next steps, or reflections in a notebook. These will help you as you prepare to participate for your small group, and your small group will benefit from your insights and questions as you learn together.
Other Practical Action Steps:
- Practicing Spiritual Pathways: Have you ever thought about what helps you best connect with Jesus? We are all wired differently and how each person connects with Jesus is personal. Take a few minutes to reflect on when you feel closest to Jesus. Maybe you feel most connected when you are:
- On a nature hike
- Reading your Bible or in an intellectual conversation about the Bible
- Doing something active, like running or cycling
- Gathered with friends and hearing their testimonies
- Singing worship music
- In quiet time and prayer
- Serving someone else
Make a list of ways you connect with Jesus. Pick one of them to do three times this week and ask Jesus to bring peace.
- Soundtracks: What is your current playlist, both musically and mentally?
- Musically: Do you have songs that you listen to on repeat? Are they pointing you toward peace or worry? During this time, what tracks can you listen to that will bring you peace? If you are looking for a place to start, try our playlist called This Month at The Crossing.
- Mentally: What thoughts are on repeat in your mind? If they are thoughts of worry, what if you focused on reading scriptures or committing a scripture to memory? If you are not sure where to begin, start with these: