Big idea
If you start your day off with worrying, think about where that will lead. You will be stressed out all day long, both fearful of the future and locked up in scenarios that might happen. When worrying becomes excessive, it may lead you to feelings of high anxiety and could even cause you to be physically ill. In search of relief to this type of stress, people will turn to harmful lifestyle habits like overeating, drugs, alcohol, or cigarette smoking. God didn't intend for us to be in the grips of worry, but instead gave us a path to peace. This study is about embracing a life of peace.
Break the ice
What types of things do people worry about today?
Small group questions
- What are some adverse effects that you have experienced as a result of worrying too much?
- Read Isaiah 26:3. How does God give us perfect peace when our thoughts are focused on Him?
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
3. What are some ways that we can escape our worries by focusing on God? (Psalm 1:2-3, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:15-16)
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
- What are some worries that King David in the Bible might have had?
- Read Psalm 23:1-6. How did David overcome his worries through trusting God? What insights are here in this passage to help us overcome our fears?
1The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[1]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
Translation notes (1)
- 23:4 Or the dark valley of death.
- What are some things right now that you are currently worried about? How is it comforting to know that God will go with you through these valleys?
- What are some ways this week that you can overcome your worries and pursue peace?
Moving forward
One of the ways that David overcame his worries was through thinking about heaven. As a group, take some time to read and search the Bible to see what it says about heaven. You can use the concordance in the back of your Bible or do a quick search on Bible Gateway. Work through the passages and talk about the hope that you receive from each one. Then talk about what you are most excited for in heaven.
Monthly memory verse
Wallpaper available for download in the Sagebrush App.
21For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
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