Practicing the Presence of Peace
Scripture Foundation
- Matthew 14:27 says, "Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of Peter, and said, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' (ESV)
- John 14:27 states, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (NIV)
- Isaiah 26:3 declares, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (NIV)
Main Content
God's peace is not a feeling we must manufacture or achieve, but rather a gift He gives us. In Matthew 14:27, Jesus takes hold of Peter and says, "You of little faith." This verse reminds us that our lack of faith is not the problem, but rather our reliance on our own strength instead of God's. When we doubt, we must remember that God is always with us, just as He was with Peter.
John 14:27 reminds us that Jesus' peace is not like the world's peace. The world's peace is often based on external circumstances, but God's peace is rooted in His presence and trust. When we trust in God, we can have a deep sense of peace even in the midst of turmoil.
Isaiah 26:3 tells us that those who trust in God will experience perfect peace. This verse encourages us to fix our minds on God and trust in His goodness and sovereignty. When we do, we can experience a deep sense of peace that surpasses human understanding.
Learning Objectives
- Identify three biblical passages that teach about the presence of God's peace
- Explain how Matthew 14:27 and John 14:27 describe the source and nature of God's peace
- Demonstrate a personal strategy for seeking God's peace in times of turmoil
- Apply Philippians 4:6-7 to a current situation, seeking God's peace in prayer
- Reflect on Isaiah 26:3, identifying the significance of trusting in God for inner peace
Application Steps
- Take a few minutes to reflect on a time when you felt anxious or overwhelmed. How did you respond? What did you rely on for peace?
- Write down three things you can do to trust in God more fully in your daily life.
Reflection Questions
As you reflect on this exercise, what are some practical ways you can apply the principles of God's peace to your daily life? How can you prioritize trusting in God more fully?