Soul Talk - The Gift of the Gray

February 7/8, 2015

read psalm 6:1-7

Many times, we don’t see depression coming. It may start out with, “I’m having a bad day,” and then it’s, “I’m having a bad week.” The next thing you know, it’s a season of melancholy that we just can’t seem to pull ourselves out of. Health factors, life circumstances, relationship disputes can all contribute to a season of anxiety and depression. Addictions often begin as a way to cope with anxiety and inevitably dig us deeper into a pit. “How long?” can easily turn into overwhelming anxiety and deep depression.

Take an inventory of your life to see how anxiety is impacting you. Which of the following list has affected you in the past year? (For a more comprehensive gauge, check out the Holmes and Rahe Scale here.) Keep in mind, the purpose of the inventory isn’t to make you anxious about your anxiety, it’s simply an indicator of where you’re at. If you’ve been impacted by several things this past year, you have a right to be anxious. It’s normal.  Giving yourself permission to have anxiety and melancholy can be a great relief and can free you from the anxiety loop. 

Talk with your small group. Share where you’re at. Have compassion on others who may be struggling too.

• Uncertainty 
• Past Pain—PTS
• Change 
• Failure
• Loss 
• Success (Reward of Success)
• Relationship 
• Conflict    
• Busyness 
• Family of Origin (Learned Behavior)
• The Straw - A Seeming Little Thing

 anxiety & melancholy myths

~   Anxiety is a sin

~   There is nothing to fear

~   A Christian should live without anxiety

~   There is nothing I can do to overcome anxiety

Think about the melancholy myths from your outline. Discuss with your group about the ones you believe or you’ve believed in the past? Which bother you? 

read psalm 77:1-12

anxiety & melancholy truths

~   Anxiety is a gift from God

~   God is with us in a dangerous world

~   Anxiety has a role in our life

~   We can talk to our souls and our souls can talk to God

How can anxiety be seen as a gift? Where do you see God’s presence in your struggle? What role do you think anxiety may be playing in your own life? What can you say to your soul about your feelings? Pray as a group about where you’re at on your journey with anxiety and what you’ve learned this week. It’s ok if you ramble a bit. Honesty is more important than clarity right now.

next steps ~ further reading

Prayer – Richard Foster

The Good and Beautiful Life – James Bryan Smith

Invitation to Solitude and Silence:

     Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence – Ruth H. Barton