YOUTH GROUP LESSON ON STRESS AND ANXIETY
CLICK HERE FOR A YOUTH GROUP GAME ON STRESS AND ANXIETY.
This lesson is part of a larger series from Youth Pastor Co called “Bullies In My Brain.” We have an entire sermon series library loaded with resources like this at YouthPastor.co.
Lesson Overview
- Stress and anxiety are huge challenges that students face today. In this youth group lesson on stress and anxiety we look to Scripture to see how God tells us to handle circumstances in our lives that bring stress and anxiety.
Breakdown
- Main Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7; James 1:5; Philippians 4:6-7
- Bottom Line: Ask God for help.
Capture: Grab their attention with an illustration.
- Illustration/Story: Have you ever asked the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” The hard but true reality of our world is bad things happen to all of us, even good people. Share a story to help illustrate this point.
- We all have moments where we don’t have the answers. Things sometimes don’t make sense. This week, we’re making space for the kind of anxiety that comes from real-life circumstances out of our control. Not everything is a consequence, a negative belief, or a spiritual attack. Sometimes, really hard things just happen.
Connect: Connect them to God’s word.
- Tension Question: Are you anxious about something outside of your control? Maybe your family is broken, you’re stuck in a toxic relationship, or you don’t even have food at home. Whatever your situation, while we may not be able to fix it, we have a God who deeply loves you and cares for you and what you’re going through.
- Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 — God cares, simply put. He wants to carry your worries.
Consider: What does this mean for us today?
- Scripture: James 1:5 — This is a beautiful truth for all of us who are in need. If we lack wisdom or do not understand, God invites us to ask Him. Wisdom, at times, will not solve our problems, but it will give us the understanding to trust God in it.
- Whatever your circumstance or situation — you can ask God for help. These anxious circumstances are like invisible bullies. They keep you quiet, and you might not even recognize them as the source of your anxiety.
- If you are stuck in a very real situation that understandably causes stress and anxiety because of your basic needs going unmet, know that God is available, accessible, and can help you if you ask for help. He can give you peace.
- For some of you, this is a foreign concept. However, there are people all around you that are hiding their invisible anxieties. If you don’t need to ask God for help personally, intercede on their behalf. Pray for those who need to find peace in God.
- Bottom Line: Ask God for help.
Collide: How do we apply this in our lives?
- Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 — The great news we find in Scripture is that we have a very applicable charge that will help us find peace. Whatever the situation, instead of falling into worry and anxiety — pray about it. Tell God what you need!
- So many people mask their invisible anxieties because they think that this is just normal life! Maybe you haven’t even identified your anxiety as an invisible bully.
- The only way to find freedom is to bring your needs to light and communicate your needs to both God and people. First, communicate with God in prayer. He is the only one who can give you peace that passes understanding.
- Next, find a trusted leader and friend. Communicate your needs to them! Don’t do life alone, and don’t allow your bullies to hide in the darkness. Bring it into the light!
- Application: Communicate your needs.
Call: How do we respond to the message?
- Altar moment: If you’re struggling, be bold and step out in faith. Bring your invisible bullies into the light. If you aren’t immediately struggling, find someone who is. Pray for them and advocate for them. Help them move toward the freedom Jesus offers.
- Small Group Questions:
- Why do bad things happen to good people? How have you personally experienced this before?
- Are you anxious about circumstances outside of your control? Explain.
- Why is it hard for us to ask God for help? What is keeping you from asking for help?
- How can you communicate your needs to God and other people this week? Spend time praying over any needs and difficulties in your group as you close your time.