Anxiety and Stress | Jack Tennant | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Anxiety and Stress

Covenant Church • Apr 26, 2026 • 27 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this comforting and practical sermon, Pastor Jack Tennant addresses the reality of anxiety and stress that affects so many believers today. He reminds us that Scripture is full of faithful people—and even Jesus Himself—who experienced overwhelming distress, yet God remained present with them. By equipping ourselves with God's Word, practical clinical tools, lifestyle adjustments, and worship, we can take our thoughts captive and rest in the truth that nothing can separate us from God's love.

Themes

Overcoming Anxiety and StressThe Power of God's WordMental and Spiritual HealthBiblical Examples of Emotional DistressRenewing the MindGod's Unfailing Love

Key Points

1.
Anxiety manifests in many forms—such as worry, nervousness, stress, and fear—and impacts virtually everyone at some point in life.
2.
Stress can be categorized into eustress, which motivates short-term growth and resilience, and distress, which leads to exhaustion and anxiety.
3.
Scripture explicitly assures us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
4.
Many great leaders in the Bible, including Moses, Elijah, Hannah, David, and Jesus Himself in Gethsemane, faced severe emotional anguish and mental distress.
5.
As declared in Romans 8:38–39, nothing in all creation—including our deepest anxieties and fears—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
6.
The primary weapon in our spiritual toolbox is the Word of God, which serves as the sword of the Spirit to dismantle lies from the enemy.
7.
Practical daily habits like physical exercise, proper sleep, direct sunlight, and breathing techniques play a vital role in managing anxiety.
8.
Taking every thought captive to obey Christ requires actively replacing harmful, negative thinking with the promises found in Scripture.

Sermon Moments

“Tools don't rust because they're used; the most important tool in your toolbox is the tattered and torn Word of God.”

“Getting the stinking out of your thinking: what we choose to dwell on directly impacts how we perceive the world around us.”

“Inserting your own name into Psalm 91 as a personal reminder that you dwell beneath the shadow of the Almighty.”

“Jesus sweating great drops of blood in Gethsemane demonstrates that even our Savior experienced immense mental distress.”

“It is really hard to focus on anxious thoughts when you are actively singing praises to your Creator.”

This Week

Read Psalm 91 aloud and insert your own name throughout the passage to personalize God's promises of protection.

Practice taking anxious thoughts captive by speaking God's Word out loud whenever fear or worry arises.

Engage in regular physical exercise, such as walking or cycling, to improve physical health and lower stress levels.

Utilize the 3-3-3 grounding technique and deep breathing exercises when feeling overwhelmed by anxiety.

Set healthy boundaries on phone and social media usage to reduce constant exposure to negative news.

Play praise and worship music throughout your home or commute to shift your focus back to God's goodness.

Find a trusted accountability partner or support group so you don't carry emotional burdens by yourself.

Remember This

God has equipped believers with His Word, His presence, and practical tools to take every thought captive, assuring us that anxiety can never separate us from His love.

A Challenge for You

Choose to accept what God's Word says about your identity and future rather than dwelling on anxious thoughts or negative self-talk.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.