Resolution Study Guide

Video n o i t u ol

Series

E D I U G Y D STU s The Re

t emen n M ov o ti lu o s tr y The Re ll Minis c D owe M h s & Jo

CONTENTS Welcome to The Resolution Video Series............................... 4 Session 1: Ben’s Story............................................................ 5 Session 2: Thriving................................................................ 8 Session 3: Longings............................................................... 11 Seven Longings..................................................................... 13 Session 4: Overcoming.......................................................... 17 Session 5: The Brain.............................................................. 21 Session 6: Live It!.................................................................. 24 Conclusion........................................................................... 27

WELCOME to The Resolution Video Series We are so glad that you’ve decided to go through this journey. So what is this series all about? Well, God created us to thrive and to flourish. This primarily happens as we experience healthy relationships with Him, others and ourselves (i.e., our ability to see ourselves as God sees us—lovable and valuable). But the reality is, we live in a broken world where things are not the way they were originally meant to be. We are born into spiritual brokenness and disconnection from God. We hurt others and are hurt by others.

As a result, our longings which God intended to be met go unmet. Many are left in a wake of rejection and brokenness. This can be catastrophic as we long for affirmation and acceptance only to find loneliness, low self-worth, and a variety of struggles.

Many people are experiencing loneliness, anxiety and depression at record levels.

Devoid of a rich relationship with God and others, we can struggle to see our value. But God loves us deeply and wants more for us. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). By engaging in a closer relationship with God and others, we can begin to see ourselves as valuable and lovable with a purpose.

This study guide will help you apply the Video Series to your life. You will learn to build a trusted circle of support around you in order to have your longings met, identify and understand your unmet longings and unwanted behaviors, and learn how to redirect your thoughts, time and energy from unhealthy to healthy things. It will also help you find true freedom from your hurts and struggles as you develop healthy relationships with God and others, resulting in the ability to see yourself as God sees you.

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BEN’S STORY Intro Ben’s story is one of pain and redemption—an experience we can all have in this broken world. As we grieve, God grieves and He has set practical things in place in order to help us in our suffering and carry us along a journey of healing so that we might thrive.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 NIV

WATC H T H E V I D E O A N D D I S C U S S 1. Ben longed to feel safe, valued and accepted, but the hurtful treatment he received from others left him feeling rejected with a low sense of self-worth. What behavior and mental health issues did he develop as a result? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Ben prayed for 12 years for God to take away his pain and addiction. After finally reaching out to others for support he began his journey to healing. Why do you think that prayer alone wasn’t the solution to Ben’s struggles? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Who were the parties in Ben’s support team who walked with him through his healing journey? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

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4. Ben said that he “began this lifestyle of reaching out for help” and experienced acceptance and affirmation. What did he mean by this? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Ben said: “I began to see God for who He actually is—as my loving Father who cares

deeply for my life, who wants to engage deeply and to know me, who believes in me. I started to see myself as God sees me—as His son with infinite value and worth, with gifts here for a purpose to make an impact.”

Why do you think that Ben began to understand God’s love once he began to receive it from others? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

SELF-ASSESSMENT What, if anything, have you done to try and cope with the pain from your unmet longings and hurt? Have you allowed other supportive people to help you? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Have you been able to confide in anyone about things you’re struggling with? What has that process been like? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ If you don’t already have a trusted circle of people who are committed to helping you on your journey of healing, who are a few people you can consider inviting in? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

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THINGS TO CONSIDER God designed us to be in relationship with Him as well as with others. Together we thrive!

Here are some steps to help you begin engaging with others to walk with you along your healing journey.

Consider the people you feel most comfortable with in your life. Prayerfully consider asking them if they would like to stand with you through this process. Some things to look for in these people: • You must be able to trust them to keep everything you share confidential.

• They must be able to listen and affirm you without rushing to give advice or judge you.

• If you’re under the age of 18, it’s best to look for trustworthy adults like parents, youth workers or professional or school counselors. Friends can always be supportive as well if they meet the above criteria but it’s best to also engage with more experienced adults.

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