The Road Less Stupid – Week 5

FEBRUARY 18 / 19, 2023
The Road Less Stupid

WISDOM FOR STRONG EMOTIONS

“Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.”
PROVERBS 4:23

INTRODUCTION:

MANAGING MAJOR EMOTIONS

1. WISDOM for “Anxiety weighs down the heart,
   but a kind word cheers it up.” PROVERBS 12:25

KEY:

2. WISDOM for
   “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
   but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” PROVERBS 13:12

ANXIETY or DEPRESSION – do not say …

1. “Just calm down” or “Relax” – This can minimize and invalidate.
2. “It’s all in your head” – This can demean and be dismissive.
3. “Just thinking positively” – Positivity can help but it’s not a cure-all.
4. “Everyone gets anxious” – This can downplay the struggle.
5. “There’s nothing to be afraid of” – This can be dismissive and make them feel their concerns are being ignored.
6. “Stop worrying so much” – This can lead to feelings of not being in control causing additional stress.
7. “Just snap out of it” – These challenges are not a choice. They are not something that is easily controlled.

Things to say …

1. “I’m here for you,” “We’ll get through this together” or “You’re not alone.”
2. “It’s okay to not be okay.”
3. “I believe in you,” or “I support you and your decisions.”
4. “Let’s find a solution together.”
5. “Would you like to talk about what’s going on?”
6. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
7. “You’re stronger than you think.”

KEY:

3. WISDOM for “Fools give full vent to their rage,
   but the wise bring calm in the end.” PROVERBS 29:11

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. … Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  
EPHESIANS 4:26-27, 31-32

• Acknowledge anger but do not let it grow into sin.
• Decelerate anger and take time for self-reflection.
• Do your best to resolve anger in a timely manner.
• Speak with honesty, health and self-controlled.
• Keep working. Anger can do damage if not thoroughly addressed.
• See anger as an opportunity to FACILITATE FORGIVENESS.

KEY:

FINAL THOUGHT

For further Reading and Resources on Anxiety, Depression and Anger TEXT EMOTIONS to 56316 for materials  by our own Wesley Towne, UC Davis Campus Pastor. 

Your will also find these Bayside MINISTRIES that provide emotional HELP: 

• Better Days Podcast and Resources https://www.betterdaysfmly.co 
• Where to Find Counseling
• Join a Celebrate Recovery Group
• Get Divorce Care
• Get Grief Care
• Community Care
• Visit from a Chaplin
• JOIN A SMALL GROUP

Answer Fill-Ins:

ANXIETY

The Bible teaches that there are normal anxieties we all experience and that there are unhealthy anxieties that can overtake us.

SADNESS

The Bible teaches that mourning is normal, hard and ultimately good for the soul. (Matthew 5:4)

Anger

Be careful and caring. Anger is designed to pass through us not permanently take root in us.