Are You Ok? The Stream and The Storm

Are You Ok?: The Stream & The Storm

Story: There’s an epidemic in society today that has been around a long time, we just haven’t been talking about it.

In the last several years we’ve started a dialogue, but unfortunately there is still a toxic stigma around the conversation. And that is the conversation surrounding mental health.

So much of the context in which we live almost demands an “I’m ok” persona. After all, we live in the most creative, athletic, healthy, and most beautiful city in the country. Who are we to complain?! Who are we to be sad, depressed, or anxious?! If I were to go just based on the hundreds of conversations I’ve had with people in this city, I would say that the majority of this room is having a difficult time mentally to some degree.

I want to say something in the beginning of this series that I honestly mean, if you are ok, then that’s ok too. By no means do I want to create an atmosphere where people are trying to get creative with their struggle… on the contrary. I WANT you to be ok! I DESIRE for you to be healthy mantally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually!

My main concern is centered around our honesty in response to the question… “Are You Ok?”

If you are here today and you are not ok, that’s ok. This is a safe place. You don’t have to have all your stuff together to walk through these doors. You don’t have to have all the right answers and proper patagonia fit. You can come just as you are. All are welcome here!

The reality is that none of us are ALWAYS ok. So maybe we’re ok today, but we’ve been “Not OK” in the past. This is both comforting and reassuring. It means that no matter who you are or where you are, you’re not alone. That we’re on this journey together.

Series Overview:

Over the course of the next three weeks we’re going to have a conversation around the idea of mental health. We’re going to look at God’s Word and talk about some practical ways we can apply His teachings to help us stay mentally healthy.

Next week we’re going to talk about restoring brokenness. And how restoration is a critical part of sustaining a healthy mental space. And then we’re going to conclude with a conversation around setting healthy rhythms in your life. You have to identify your season so you can set your rhythm, you’re not going to want to miss a single week!

Tonight we’re going to look at the practice of REST.

Pray:

Title: The Stream & The Storm

Big Idea:

Rest is not found in a location or environment,

it’s not found in the familiar or comfortable,

real rest is found in a person and the practice of trust.

Main Points:

1. The Stream (Provider)

   1. The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.” - Psalms 23:1-2 NLT
   2. Much of our mental unrest comes when we feel like we aren’t enough
      1. We live this life as if “I am my own; I am all that I need. I chase after green meadows; I seek after peaceful streams.”
      2. And we run, and run, and run after what we think will satisfy. We strive after “happiness” and the next personal victory. - Then time and time again we end up disappointed at the outcome and ultimately blame ourselves. Guilt, shame, and depression follow.
      3. This passage speaks of a life that is content and satisfied. Recognizing that all provision & rest comes from God alone, our Good Shepherd.
      4. When you are living to your own expectations or the expectations of others then you are disappointing yourself twice.

   3. The moving target

      1. Question: Does anyone here feel like they have a narrative over their life that they have to meet?

         1. Maybe you set that narrative. You’re a driven person and set high expectations for your life. That’s awesome! That’s me too!
         2. Maybe your parents set an expectation over your life and you’ve been trying to make them proud ever since.
         3. The trouble with living out a narrative that is “self” centered is that we never really know when we meet that expectation.

         4. So we live our life shooting at an ever moving target. This leaves us constantly frustrated and exhausted

            4. The Lord is my shepherd; I have ALL that I need
               2. Sheep without a shepherd: Panic

         5. Isolated - They easily wander off and get lost

         6. Hungry - They can’t find food themselves
         7. Helpless - They are defenseless animals
         8. Afraid - Hate the rain and fearful in storms

         9. When I am feeling mentally unhealthy, these are the qualities I would identify with. 3. Sheep with a shepherd: Peace

         10. Companionship - Never far from the fold

         11. Nourishment - Gives food, shelter, and comfort
         12. Protection - Will fight for the flock
         13. Guidance - Leads the way home 4. When I am feeling mentally healthy, these are the qualities I would identify with. 5. It’s because our Good Shepherd knows exactly what we need and when we need it.
             5. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

      2. Illust: Beach Vacation & Family Holiday rips

         1. Just because the atmosphere is green meadows and peaceful streams, it does not guarantee rest and peace of mind.
         2. You can be on the beach, watching the sunset, and be stressed out about a deadline you have at work when you get home
         3. You can be on a mountain top gazing out over the rockies and be anxious about the relationships in your life
         4. This is not a description of a geographical location or necessary environment in order to experience peace, this is a metaphor for the feeling that God gives you as you walk with Him.

         5. You cannot experience rest beside the stream until you’ve been satisfied by your Shepherd 2. Question: “green meadows & peaceful streams” doesn’t always feel like it describes your life right?

         6. Maybe a warzone or a scene from Maze Runner… but probably not green pastures.

         7. Yeah, I’m sure it didn’t feel like peaceful streams for the disciples many times too.
         8. The Storm (Protector)
            1. As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!”Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” - Mark 4:36-41 NLT
            2. Just because there is a presence of a storm does not mean there is an absence of your God
               1. He is with you. If he is Lord of your life, then He is on your boat. And He wants to hear your cries for help.
               2. Notice he doesn’t rebuke them for waking him up, he gently rebukes their faith. “How did they not think I could calm this storm?” “Why did they think they were going to die, did they forget my promise?”
            3. Seen a miracle, and still doubted
               1. The disciples had been with Jesus and had seen his power demonstrated in a variety of ways, they witnessed him healing the sick, forgiving sins, and even bring the dead to life, yet they doubted his power in their current situation.
               2. How many times have we seen God move in our lives, in so many different ways, but then a moment comes and we’re like “not sure if he’s got this one.”
            4. Responsibility or control
               1. Taking responsibility is different than taking control. The disciples could have tried to harness their knowledge, experience, and expertise all through the night, but then they would have missed God's power!
               2. Many of you are feeling tired and exhausted because for far too long you’ve relied on your ability and knowledge to carry you through when I’m telling you, God’s got a miracle if you would simply cry out to Him!
            5. *Disclaimer: This is not a “just go pray” series
               1. Although we do believe that miracles are possible and that God can heal any disorder or disease. We also believe in using wisdom in decision making as it relates to mental health.
               2. This means that we advocate for professional counseling and prescribed medicine that can help you on your journey.
               3. Ibuprofen + prayer = miracle
               4. It’s ok to have Jesus and a counselor. It’s ok to have Jesus and medicine.

2. Our greatest problems are not around us, they’re within us.

   1. He is our protector and we can trust Him!
   2. Our circumstances often cause us to doubt His faithfulness, but His promises are trustworthy and worthy of our full dependance
   3. Question: What if Jesus is resting in His storm, to demonstrate to you that you can rest in your storm?
   4. Aren’t you glad that when you’re freaking out, Jesus isn’t.

Closing: My story dealing with mental health in March & August

Busy led to anxiety, anxiety led to fear, fear led to panic, panic eventually led to panic attacks. I walked away from the very practices that I’m going to touch on over the next several weeks.

A healthy process, a right direction, and a loving community to walk with you.

If you can name it, you can tame it. Have you named it? Are you being honest with those around you?

Walking Points: Rewire the habits of your mind

• R - Retreat

  • This is not something fancy, it’s simply getting alone with God

  • E - Engage

  • Talk to God and meditate on His Word without distractions.

  • S - Submit

  • Listen to worship music as you submit to His plan for your life and circumstances

  • T - Trust

  • Follow wherever He leads knowing that He is faithful and never breaks His promises