Winning the War In Your Mind: Rejoice
This series — built on Craig Groeschel’s book of the same title — will give practical tools for using scriptural truth to combat the negative thought patterns in your mind.
1.Pete and Nathan referenced Craig Groeschel’s writings on our fear reactions. Read this quote from Winning the War in Your Mind and talk about how you experience this concept:
“There is a little, almond-shaped part of our brains called the amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for emotions and survival instincts. When you are afraid, the amygdala lights up like a pinball machine, producing a fight-or-flight response. The amygdala deploys a tsunami of adrenaline, preparing the body for action. That’s a good thing if you are hiking a trail and come across a poisonous snake poised to strike… The problem is that the amygdala is not objective… The way it responds to a hurtling cow [or poisonous snake] is the same way it responds to a hurtful conversation. The way it responds to a noise letting you know a burglar has broken into your house is the same way it responds to a notification letting you know your bank account is overdrawn.”
from Winning the War in Your Mind, pg. 153-154
2. What things in your life cause you to feel panicked or overwhelmed? Why have those things become “venomous” to you?
3. Read Acts 16:22-25. What sticks out to you about Paul and Silas’ behavior in the midst of horrible circumstances?
4. Nathan shared that in the midst of all of our panic and fear there is always an “undercurrent of joy and peace.” How do you respond to that? Have you experienced this? If so, please share with your group
5. Pete and Nathan discussed a few ways to intentionally carve a pathway towards that joy. Which of these do you feel drawn to, and why?
• Gratitude
• Nature / Activity
• Social Interaction
• Prayer / Meditation / Presence
• Arts and Creativity
6. What are some additional practices that help you access God’s joy even in turbulent times? Discuss with your group.
(*Video available after Sunday services)
