WEEK Three
CORE VALUE:
PEACE OF MIND
GROUP STUDY
Watch the introduction video together.
Break into gender-specific groups of 4-5 people. Take turns reading each section aloud.
Our world is filled with worry, stress, anxiety, and fear. We worry about the economy, stress over our finances, feel anxious about our careers, and fear what the future might hold. No one wants to live this way, yet it is easy to feel overwhelmed. If we are not careful, the worries of life can quietly rob us of the joy we were meant to live in. Deep down, we are all searching for peace, joy, and contentment.
Stress, depression, and anxiety continue to rise. Depression often comes from living in the past. Anxiety comes from living in the future. Peace, however, is found in the present, in the presence of God. Peace is not just a feeling; it is the result of proximity to Him. The closer you draw to God, the more peace you begin to experience. As you learn to abide in Him, a quiet confidence begins to grow within you. You realize you are not alone. You have someone with you in every struggle, and that person is Jesus.
Our third Core Value is this: Peace of mind is found in Jesus. We often convince ourselves that worrying is productive, but worry only increases fear, stress, and anxiety. When we worry, we are trying to live in a future that has not yet been written. Don’t write the end of your story before God does.
Instead of raising your level of worry, raise your level of faith. Look to God, the one who knows the future and promises to provide for you. You matter to Him. He values you, and He will never leave you or forsake you. It is in Christ alone that we find lasting peace and a confident mind. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” You are valuable to God. He truly cares for you.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
When you think about worry, stress, and anxiety, what tends to pull your focus away from God’s peace?
What does it look like practically to “give your worries to God” and trust Him with your future?
We find “Peace of Mind” through the Core Practices of Persistent Prayer and Godly Friendships.
CORE PRACTICE:
PERSISTENT PRAYER
Watch the Persistent Prayer video together.
Prayer was never meant to be our last option. It is meant to be our first response. In prayer, we remind ourselves that God is greater than our situation and that we can fully trust Him. As we pray, our focus begins to shift from the problem to the One who holds the solution.
Here are a few ways to grow in your prayer life:
• Get around people who pray. Listen to how they pray and learn from them.
• Pray Scripture. Look for promises in God’s Word and begin to pray them.
• Use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide. You can find the Lord’s Prayer Guide at corechurch.com/study.
• Practice fasting. You can find information about fasting at corechurch.com/fast.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Which one of these has been, or could be, most helpful for you? Why?
THIS WEEK’S ACTION STEP
What is one specific step you will take to grow in this practice?
CORE PRACTICE:
GODLY FRIENDSHIPS
Watch the Godly Friendships video together.
Every one of us faces difficulty, pain, and adversity. In those moments, our natural tendency is often to withdraw and isolate. But isolation is where the enemy does his best work. He will try to convince you that no one understands, no one cares, and you are the only one facing what you are facing. We need people in our lives who speak the truth of God, people who will encourage us, support us, and love us well.
We believe friendship is discipleship, and discipleship is friendship. The people around you will shape your life. If you want to grow in your relationship with God, you need to stay connected to God’s people. Small Groups are one of the best places to build and develop Godly friendships.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What has your small group meant to you?
THIS WEEK’S ACTION STEP
What is one specific step you will take to grow in this practice?
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