Emptiness and Coping Mechanisms

Sometimes it's hard to talk to God and others about our inner struggles. Whether it impacts us or someone we love, issues like anxiety and depression are real. For the next three weeks, we'll look at principles from the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 as we open up about the battle within.

Next Steps for Inner Healing

- Open up in a Thrive group (www.thrivelachurch.com/thrive-groups)
- Take the enneagram survey and meet with someone at Thrive to discuss soul care (http://www.enneagraminstitute.com
- Book Recommendations: The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile or Seasons of the Soul by Bruce Demarest
- Check out a Celebrate Recovery gathering in Echo Park (https://angelustemple.org/recovery/)
- Schedule an appointment with a doctor

Sermon Outline: Talking to God about Emptiness and Coping Mechanisms
Luke 15:1-2,11-18

- We're all a different kind of the same broken (Luke 15:1-2,11)
- We all have coping mechanisms to fill the void and address the emptiness (Luke 15:12-13)
- Our Coping Mechanisms are often temporary, and even reckless (Luke 15:13b-16)
- There is hope when we're ready to open up to God and others (Luke 15:17-18)