Table Talk | August 16-17
Key Takeaways:
- Worry reveals a trust issue with God.
- Worry reveals a hope issue – where we’re placing our hope for satisfaction.
- Worry reveals a priorities issue – what we’re seeking first in life.
- God’s Word is the remedy to help us realign our trust, hope, and priorities.
Discussion Questions:
- Pastor Jackson mentioned that worry often stems from doubting God’s ability or willingness to provide. Can you share a time when you’ve experienced this doubt? How did you overcome it?
- How does Jesus’ teaching about birds and flowers challenge our perspective on worry? What can we learn from nature about trusting God?
- Anxiety is “the smell of your idols burning.” What are some common idols in our culture that people tend to put their hope in instead of God?
- How does seeking God’s kingdom first change our approach to daily worries and concerns?
- Pastor Jackson talked about his personal experience with worry leading up to his ordination to the biblical office of Pastor. Have you ever had a similar experience where intense worry revealed deeper issues in your faith? What did you learn from it?
- Why do you think we often neglect reading and meditating on God’s Word, even though we know it’s beneficial? How can we develop better habits in this area?
Practical Applications:
- Worry Inventory: This week, keep a “worry journal.” Each time you feel worried, write down what you’re worried about and try to identify which underlying issue it reveals (trust, hope, or priorities).
- Scripture Meditation: Choose a Psalm (like Psalm 103 mentioned in the sermon) to memorize and meditate on throughout the week. Reflect on how it impacts your trust in God.
- Priority Check: Make a list of your top 5 priorities in life right now. Honestly evaluate if seeking God’s kingdom is at the top. If not, what adjustments can you make?
- Nature Walk: Take a walk outdoors and observe birds and flowers. Use this time to reflect on God’s care for creation and how it applies to your life.
- Word Intake Plan: Develop a realistic plan to increase your intake of God’s Word. This could involve setting aside specific times for reading, using a Bible app, or joining a Bible study group.
- Worry-to-Prayer: Practice immediately turning worries into prayers. When you catch yourself worrying, pause and say a quick prayer, entrusting that concern to God.
Closing Reflection:
End the session by having group members share one specific way they want to grow in trusting God and combating worry in the coming week. Pray for each other in these areas.