Main Thought
Everyone feels anxious at times. God invites us to bring our anxious feelings to Him, but that’s easier said than done. Feeling anxious can lead to anger, aimless activity, or both. The 12 Disciples probably felt and acted this way when they were trapped in a storm once. Eventually, they turned to Jesus and said: “Do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus DID care that the Disciples were in a dangerous storm. He was in the boat with them!
In a similar way, Jesus is “in our boat.” He faced his own anxiety-inducing situations. He was questioned by the authorities of his day; He was threatened with violence; and, eventually, He died as an innocent man on the Cross. In the face of these situations, Jesus humbly trusted the Father. Our problems can be big - but God is still bigger. Jesus was confident in the Father’s care for Him, and He moved forward with divine assurance. These three keys can help us stand strong in anxious moments too.
Main Passages
36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
- Mark 4:38
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
- Proverbs 3:5-6
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?
Have you battled anxious emotions recently? What happened?
What makes it hard for you believe that God cares for you? What helps you remember God’s care for you?