Are Your Feelings a Problem or a Gift? | Keep Talking

In this message, Pastor Julie shared how to move through our big emotions instead of being controlled by them this holiday season. Use this guide to keep talking about what God revealed to you through the message.  

SERMON HIGHLIGHTS

• Your feelings matter to God. 
• Your feelings aren’t a sin; they’re a signal. They’re not a flaw; they’re a flag. 
• Don’t let your feelings forecast your future. 
• Prayer isn’t just a spiritual activity—it’s a mental health strategy. 
• “It has been found that 12 minutes a day of focused prayer can change the brain to such an extent that it can be measured on a brain scan.” Dr. Caroline Leaf
• The battle in the natural becomes peripheral when the battle in the spiritual becomes central. 

KEY SCRIPTURES

• 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
• Psalms 8:2
• Romans 12:2

START TALKING 

• When you think about the holidays, which two feelings tend to show up most frequently for you?  

KEEP TALKING

• Pastor Julie talked about how the holidays can bring up mixed emotions and feelings. Where do you see mixed emotions showing up in your life right now? 
• When it comes to our feelings, we tend to either ignore them or follow them. Which tendency do you lean toward more, and why do you think that is? 
• Read 2 Chronicles 20:12. When is a time in your life you could relate to this prayer? 
• Pastor Julie gave us three tips for navigating our big feelings: Start with prayer, stick with God’s people, and stand in praise. Which of these comes the most naturally to you? Which one do you need to be more intentional about as we close out this year? 
• Clarity comes through community, and battles aren’t won in isolation. How has this group provided clarity and helped you win some battles this year?

KEEP IT GOING

• If you’re walking through grief this holiday season, you don’t need to walk through it alone. Use this link to access resources or get connected to one of our pastors so you can find hope in the midst of life’s difficult circumstances.

PRAYER

Father, we’re so grateful that we can bring you our honest prayers. Your faithfulness in the past gives us hope and confidence for our future. Show us the feelings we need to process with you this week. Our eyes are on you. We love you. Amen.