1. Be Real

The topic of mental health is both essential and difficult. As we continue to meet in our DNA, it’s most likely that one of us will endure a season of anxiety or depression at minimum, or perhaps something more like the challenge of mental illness. We don’t come here today to fix each other or focus on self-help. Our hope today is to grow in our capacity to care for our friends and point each other to Jesus.

If you’re willing, let’s be real around this very sensitive and difficult topic. Take a moment to share if any of these questions resonate for you:

• Do you find it difficult to talk about this topic?
• Is mental illness part of your story or your family history?
• Are you currently battling depression or significant anxiety in everyday life?

2. Grow Together

This Sunday, we learned about a “Simple Foundation for Divine Hope” We were reminded that our God is:

• A God worthy of our trust
• A God eager to help/care in the dark/desperate times
• A God who sustains in the darkness
• A God has supernatural power to change realities
• A God who has been there (Jesus in the Garden)…
  
  

Do any of those statements give you hope today?

Do you question or struggle to believe any of them today?

Jesus knew he was about to go to his death, when this moment happened with his friends:

Luke 22:39-44

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

What do you observe in this passage?

If you’ve battled a season of depression or anxiety, what realizations of God’s love have you made along the way?

Have you recognized that you’ve believe any lies along the way?

3. Next Steps

Does anyone today need special prayer for this topic?

How can we support you in an ongoing way?

Additional recommended resources:

Heart Support
“My Name Is Hope” – John Mark Comer  
“Grace for the Afflicted” — Matthew S. Stanford  
To Write Love On Her Arms
Anthem of Hope

Next week, we’ll be sharing and observing many of the questions and answers we share as a church with Dr. Gerry Breshears.