Leader Guide
In God’s Word we are commanded to seek His Kingdom first. Yet we tend to do the opposite and allow worry to consume our thoughts and pull our attention toward circumstances we cannot control. Jesus invites us to bring those concerns to Him, trust our Father’s care, and pursue something greater than ourselves. As we spend time with God, learn His Word, pray, worship, serve, and walk alongside others, He reorients our hearts and gives us peace that does not depend on our circumstances.
What you will need: A Bible or Bible app, a notebook, a pen, and a highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Leader: This guide is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
Jump Start
Leader: Keep this first question fun and lighthearted. The goal is to begin thinking about how easily small things can take up a surprising amount of our attention.
If you could eliminate one simple but annoying everyday task forever, what would it be?
1. Remember Who Cares for You
Read Matthew 6:25-27:
• What does Jesus’ comparison between people and birds reveal about God’s care for us and our value to Him?
• What point is Jesus making when He asks whether worry can add a single moment to our lives?
• If you are comfortable, share a concern of yours that take up a lot of your attention right now. How might remembering your value to God change the way you carry it?
Leader: Jesus does not deny that we have real needs or reasons to be concerned. He redirects our attention to the character of our heavenly Father. Worrying cannot add to our lives, but remembering who cares for us can change how we face what is in front of us.
2. Consider What You Are Seeking
Read Mathew 6: 31-34:
• What can dominate our thoughts, and what truth does Jesus give us to challenge that worry?
• What promise comes with seeking God’s Kingdom first? Discuss how worrying about the days ahead can affect our mental health?
• What do you think is the difference between being responsible about something and worrying about it?
Leader: Jesus redirects us from being consumed by worry toward the greater purpose of seeking God’s Kingdom and living His way. This does not mean ignoring responsibilities or pretending problems do not exist. It means trusting God with what we cannot control and choosing to be faithful with what He has placed before us today.
3. Bring Everything to God
Read Philippians 4:6-7:
• What solution does Paul give us in place of allowing anxiety to control our thoughts? What makes these instructions so hard to actually live out?
• How do bringing our specific requests to God, while also practicing thanksgiving, help us experience His peace, even when our circumstances haven't changed?
• Do you have a burden you need to bring honestly to God, and possibly allow trusted people to help you carry?
Leader: Paul does not tell us to deny our concerns; he tells us where to take them. Through honest prayer, specific requests, and thanksgiving, we place our burdens in God’s hands. His peace may not immediately change our circumstances, but it guards our hearts and minds as we trust Him. God can also use trusted people to pray with us, encourage us, and help carry what feels too heavy to face alone.
Optional - Deeper Dive
Read John 14:26-27, Matthew 11:28:
• How are the peace and rest Jesus promises different from the kind of peace the world tries to offer?
• What helps you intentionally come to Jesus, spend time in His presence, and allow His truth to settle your heart?
Leader: The world often defines peace as the absence of trouble, but Jesus offers peace in the middle of it. The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus’ words so we can apply His truth when worry and fear arise. As we come to Jesus through prayer and time in His Word, we find rest in His presence rather than depending on perfect circumstances.
Action Step
Worry pulls our attention in many directions, but Jesus invites us to seek Him first. Each day this week:
1. Name it: Identify one concern occupying your thoughts.
2. Bring it: Talk honestly with God about it and thank Him for one way He has been faithful.
3. Seek Him: Spend a few quiet minutes reading God’s Word and listening to Him.
4. Take one step: Focus on what God has placed before you today. This may mean completing a responsibility, serving someone, encouraging a friend, or allowing another person to help carry your burden.
When anxiety returns, pause and ask: “What am I seeking right now, and how can I seek God first in this moment?”