Facing & Fighting Your Fears With Perspective

Overcoming Stress, Anxiety, Discouragement & Depression

By Pastor Dan Williams, April 25, 2021

Facing & Fighting Fear With Perspective

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 [NLT]


Discouragement & depression…

  • is a form of suffering.
  • is trying to say something.

MAIN IDEA

To fix your problem, you first have to fix your perspective.

  • See & fight the battle raging in your heart.

Learn to fight your fears with the right .

2 Corinthians 4:18 [NLT] 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

When you’re feeling desperate, fight with .

3 Main Relationships to Pursue When Depression Is Looming

  1. We need to pursue God.
  1. We need to pursue our church family.
  1. We need to pursue our close family.

Resource for someone struggling with depression

Depression: The Way Up When You Are Down


CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION

1. In His own Words, God advises us : So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. [2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT]

  • Do you tend to be a “look at the troubles we can see now" person or a “fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen" person?
  • How might it help people we who are discouraged or depressed to be reminded that the troubles we see now are only temporary?

2. Why do you think God directs us to fix our gaze on unseen things that last forever?

  • Are there any specific “unseen things that last forever” that have helped encourage you? (Ex: our eternal bodies & holiness, our eternal heavenly home, etc)

3. In your experience, what does someone who's discouraged or depressed need most from the people who love them?


CTC Questions Kid Edition:

1. What is revealed about our hearts when we read and try to obey the 10 commandments? What does it reveal we need

2. Why couldn’t Moses be the sacrifice for the peoples’ sins?

3. Why do you think Jesus is God’s greatest display of glory?