Live Above the Heaviness

“Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord, he said. Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.’” 1 Kings 19:3-4 (NLT)

1. TRADE THE TRIGGERS FOR THE TRUTH.

“To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP)

2. REACH OUT FOR HOPE AND HOLD ON TIGHT.

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)

Victory Group Questions:

1. What are some triggers in your life that cause you to have anxiety or cause you to run away? How do you cope?

2. In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to release control and trust God in? (i.e. Finances, Relationships, Health, Future, etc.) Why? This will weigh you down. Reflect back on 1 Peter 5:6-7.

3. What are some promises from God that you hold tightly to help get you through heavy seasons? Praise God!

4. If you or anyone you know suffers from mental illness, remember it’s ok to not be ok, it’s just not ok to stay that way. REACH out for help, there’s hope!