Philippians 4:4-7

1. Read Philippians 4:4–7. Verse 4:7 talks about “the peace of God” guarding your heart and mind. How is that different from simply having your problems fixed?

2. Notice how the instruction in verse 4:6 “do not be anxious about anything” is built on the promise in 4:5, “the Lord is at hand.” What is significant about that connection?

3. Even if it isn’t clinical, anxiety battles with everyone at some level. We fear failure, rejection, sickness, financial ruin, being exposed, being forgotten, being alone. We fear the loss of those we love, the uncertainty of the future, the weight of responsibility. These fears may not always rise to the level of diagnosable anxiety, but they are real—and they are common to the Christian life. One of the great barriers to pressing on in the faith is forgetting the nearness of God in the face of crippling fear. And this is a threat that every believer faces practically every day. God’s people need practical help fighting everyday anxieties, and Philippians 4:6–7 offers such help.

‍T.A.T.T. is a simple method, based on Philippians 4:6–7, that can be used in moments when anxiety makes joy and peace feel impossible. This method isn’t a clinical cure-all. But it is effective and easy to remember in the moments when anxiety feels overwhelming. It directs your mind and heart to the presence of God, who is faithful, able, and eager to help. As a group, spend some extended time in prayer, walking through the T.A.T.T. method together. Pray through each of the different sections:

TELL GOD | “in everything, through prayer”
ASK GOD | “present your requests to God”
THANK GOD | “with thanksgiving”
TRUST GOD | “will guard your hearts and minds”