Heart Over Hype: Insecurity Distorts Reality

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: 1 Samuel 18.

overview

This chapter contrasts what sustains a secure heart and what erodes an insecure one. From the start, we see the bond of friendship that Jonathan and David form – one that doesn’t make sense when we remember that Jonathan is heir to the throne. David’s success and favor from God could have driven Jonathan to jealousy and a plot to kill David to secure his own future, but instead we see humility and selfless surrender. A spiritual friendship is one that celebrates one another, prays for the other person to succeed, and does what they can to help them. When insecurities arise, they can block a person’s capacity to celebrate someone else’s victories.

question 1

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as in fact you are doing.” Who are some people who encourage you? Can you think of some people who might need encouragement that you could reach out to? Spiritual friendships give and take. 

discussion

Read James 3:16. Saul’s jealousy caused him to go off the deep end, opening the door to an evil spirit and attempting murder – not just once but multiple times! Jealousy can cause a person to treat people like objects to control or manipulate to bring about an outcome they desire. But the more a person tries to control outcomes, the more frenzied and anxious they become. They think that their desired outcome will bring them peace but instead it brings them a distorted mind. Insecurity can cause a person to believe things that are not reality and their minds may become suspicious and fearful. 

question 2

Each of us at some point will have insecurity rise in us. What are some ways to recognize and squash insecure thoughts before they overtake our minds?

David maintains his humility and devotion to God, and he remembers where he came from (verse 18 & 23). When we remember that we are God’s creation, that he has created us out of his love for us and with our own purposes, we can find our security and contentment in him alone. When we start up an internal competition with other people, or are tempted to look for fulfillment in how we look, what we drive, or where we live, remember that we always have the choice to go back to godly contentment. As our trust in God’s love and direction for us increases, we will walk more freely in the contentment that brings peace and joy.     

question 3

Is there a dream or direction you want for your life that might be robbing you of peace? Talk about how you can each find contentment in the people and situations that are right in front of you. How do you rest in godly contentment? 

weekly application

If insecurity or discontent rises in you this month, be sure to pay attention to it and bring it to the Lord. Ask him to redirect your heart and mind to the people and things that matter to him.