Week 3: Comforting the Anxious Heart

This week speaks directly to the anxious heart with the steady kindness of Christ. We listen to Jesus’ words in Matthew 6, hear God’s promise of guarding peace in Philippians 4, and see, through Elijah’s story, that the Lord meets His weary servants not with rebuke, but with tenderness, rest, and a still, small voice.

Before you begin

If at any point you feel overwhelmed, it is entirely acceptable to pause, step away, or simply sit quietly with the Lord. This course is offered as a support, not a demand.

Anxiety can feel loud and urgent, especially after prolonged stress or trauma. This week is not about forcing calm, but about learning where to turn and how to be comforted by God’s care.

Scripture for this week

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.”

Matthew 6:25 (KJV)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6–7 (KJV)

Read these verses slowly. You are not required to feel peaceful, only to bring yourself honestly before the Lord.

Slides: Comforting the Anxious Heart

You may view the slides below at your own pace, and you are also welcome to download them for offline use.

Download Week 3 slides

Audio teaching

Some people find it helpful to listen alongside the slides, while others prefer to listen on its own. You are free to listen now, later, or not at all.

Transcript (optional)

Read the transcript

[PASTE WEEK 3 TRANSCRIPT TEXT HERE]

This week’s teaching

Elijah, one of God’s faithful prophets, experienced fear and exhaustion after intense spiritual conflict. Instead of rebuking him, the Lord provided rest, nourishment, and gentle reassurance. God spoke not in earthquake or fire, but in a still, small voice.

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 reminds us that our Father knows our needs. Worry cannot add to our lives, but prayer opens the way for God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ.

Reflection (optional)

What situations tend to trigger my anxiety?
How does my body respond when fear rises?
What helps me turn back to God in those moments?

Course booklet: Week 3

These pages come from the original course booklet and support this week’s teaching.

Download Week 3 booklet

Prayer focus

This week, we bring our anxieties honestly before the Lord. We ask Him to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, to help us trust His care for our daily needs, and to teach us how to rest in His fatherly provision.

If words feel difficult, it is enough to sit quietly and repeat, “Lord, Thou knowest; Lord, Thou carest.”

Facilitator notes (for those leading others)

These notes are intended for those using this material in a group, pastoral, or discipleship setting. Individual participants are very welcome to skip this section.

Download facilitator notes (Week 3)

Questions and support

If questions arise as you work through this week, you are very welcome to ask them.

Ask Caroline Questions Asked and Answered

Please note: this course is a teaching resource and not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please contact local emergency services.