For Christians, the cure to hectic stress is to take on Jesus' yoke and let go of our burdens.
Talking Points:
- Hectic stress makes you feel like you’re being pulled in a thousand directions. You chose to put those things on the list so they must matter to you.
- We take on a new identity in Christ. When we follow Jesus, that choice re-defines us. Instead of looking to your list of stresses as the place where you find your identity and worth, you find it in Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30
- We take on a new perspective. You start caring about the things Jesus cares about and your priorities begin to change.
- We take on a new pulling partner. Jesus wants to help us carry our load and wants to help us complete our greatest purpose. John 15:5
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What’s on your stress list? Write it down. Which of these things do you consider to be “good”? Which are “bad”?
- Read Matthew 11:28-30. When was the last time you felt rested? What was it like?
- Which items on your list are there because your identity or self-esteem is wrapped up in it? How can finding your identity in Christ take the pressure off of you in that area?
- What would Jesus keep on your list? What would he take off? Are you carrying around baggage that is only stressing you out, but is not ultimately valuable? Explain.
- Read John 15:5. What percentage of your “load” do you feel like you’re pulling? What percentage are you letting God pull? How can you change the percentages?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
