– Not worrying even when you don’t have answers –

Everyone has things in their life that cause pain or problems.  Sometimes things happen that you don’t want to happen.  You can’t control everything and get everything you always want at the time you want it.  Sometimes it feels like you’re not going to get everything you need in time either.  “Stress” is like a heavy weight on your chest when you feel worried about these things.  But peace destroys stress and removes the weight of worry.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NIV)

Peace is what God gives you when you trust Him instead of worrying.  Why can you trust God when there are troubles in this world?  You can release stress and receive God’s peace because God has promised to provide everything you need.  He has promised to be your protector.  Jesus said you are His friend – you can talk to Him about anything and he understands.  He knows you better than you know yourself and He loves you more than you can comprehend.  He is always with you and always watches you.  He is wiser than the trickiest enemy and stronger than the biggest bully.  He has already beaten death and there is nothing in this universe that can keep His love for you.  You can have peace because God is great enough to deliver you through anything that comes as you.

Questions
  • What are some things that try to destroy your peace?
  • What are things that make you feel stress?
  • What are ways to release stress?
    • Memorizing and repeating verses
    • Talking to someone about your stress and being reminded that God is in control
    • Praying – asking God to help
    • Remembering stories about God’s faithfulness
  • How can you help someone else this week who is feeling stress instead of peace?
More Discussion Ideas
Alternate Descriptions
  • Free from worry and stress
  • Confident that God loves me and is in control
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Are You Ever Troubled? – A Devotion from Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost for His Highest”