Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen

Week 5: Chapter 4 — I Feel Anxious: Choose to Be Still

Read Chapter 4 of Get Out of Your Head. Key Scripture: Psalm 46:10; Philippians 4:6–7; Matthew 6:25–34

Allen tackles one of the most pervasive toxic thought patterns of our time — anxiety — and offers a surprisingly counter-cultural antidote: stillness before God.

Discussion Questions

7 questions

1.Allen identifies anxiety as one of the most common entry points into the toxic thought spiral. How would you describe the role of anxiety in your own thought life — is it a occasional visitor or a constant hum in the background?

2.She draws on Psalm 46:10 — "Be still, and know that I am God" — as a command, not just a comfort. What is difficult about being still, especially when anxiety is high? What does stillness actually require of us?

3.Allen distinguishes between anxious thinking (spinning around problems) and prayerful thinking (bringing problems to God). Philippians 4:6–7 says to bring everything to God "with thanksgiving." Why do you think thanksgiving is part of the prescription for anxiety?

4.She points out that Jesus addressed anxiety directly in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6), connecting it to a lack of trust in the Father's provision. Is your anxiety primarily about resources, relationships, reputation, or something else? How does Jesus's argument speak to your specific version?

5.Allen is careful to note that anxiety is not simply a sin — it is often a signal. What might your anxiety be signaling about where you are placing your trust or where you most need to surrender?

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Closing Prayer

Full guide

Father, we confess that we have spent so much time spinning in anxiety when You have been quietly saying, "Be still." Thank You that You are God — and that means we don't have to be. Forgive us for the trust we have placed in our own worrying, as though fretting could fix what only You can hold. Today, we bring You our fears — about our finances, our families, our futures — with thanksgiving, because You have been faithful. Give us the peace that passes understanding, and guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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