Intro & Chapter One

Week 1 Devotional Thought:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 4:6-7

Throughout the Bible, especially, but not limited to, the Old Testament, the authors talk about “peace,” or “Shalom,” a word that means total well-being. Shalom is what every heart longs for. It's that moment when our soul is most content, most satisfied. Unfortunately, most of us pursue this peace through things that were never designed to deliver. We think to ourselves, “If I can just get married, or, if I can just have children, or, if I can just make this much money or have this much influence, or this many followers, or live in this neighborhood.” Yet, with each acquisition comes a deeper, more lasting emptiness. There is only one thing big enough to fill our hearts and souls. Much of the anxiety and depression we face in this life is tied to the idols we seek. The pursuits and passions of this life will never give us that for which we are searching. Therefore, when we feel anxious or depressed, the best thing we can do is pray. As we do so, the Holy Spirit brings to our mind the reality that in Christ, we have everything we could ever hope for. We are wealthier than the richest king, loved and adored more than the most passionate lover, more secure than we could ever hope or imagine. All these things are found in Christ and Christ alone.

Once we understand the full ramification of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we will move out into our world with confidence, courage, and most importantly peace. Why? Because we are already victorious. The fact that we have defeated death means that we can truly live. Our greatest enemy has been defeated. Our greatest victory has already come. We have absolutely nothing to lose that Christ will not replace to an infinitely greater degree in the life to come. So go live your life! Listen to the voice of God. Seek His ways that lead to Shalom. Travel the road He prepares for you no matter how dangerous or risky. Rise above the mediocre life that fear, anxiety, and depression bring into the extraordinary life that trusts God is all things, in all seasons, and in all events. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

  

Weekly Response

  

1. So what’s wrong with self-help books? Don’t they contain ideas that will help us in our Christian walk?

2. Why not pursue happiness? Doesn’t God want us to enjoy life?

3. What is a “fleece?” Have you ever put one out to God?

4. How do you identify with Gideon in your thinking, action, or beliefs?

5. Jeff said, “The fact that the sin in our lives is often the very reason our lives are falling apart does not seem to register with us. Regardless, once we turn our hearts toward God, He redeems these unfortunate events and grants us some of the most significant victories of our lives.” Take a look at your life. Think about the last time you, as Gideon, asked, “Where is God in all of this? Why is He allowing this in my life?” Now, look at your trends. How do you usually solve the problems in your life? Is your instinct to trust God? Or is it to “Go in the strength you have,” attempting to right your path on your own? Which response proves more successful, more peaceful?

6. In these moments of lacking faith, God may choose to give us a sign or grant a request to help us in our weakness. Like Gideon, we often see the signs God sends us as coincidences or natural phenomena. Are you open to God sending you a sign? What would it take for you to trust God’s sovereign involvement in your everyday life? What has He done to already prove Himself faithful? In what ways have you already seen God’s ability to take a disadvantage and turn it into something beautiful?

7. We often hear about stories like that of Abraham Lincoln and Tony Bennett. We think, “Wow. I wish God could achieve that kind of greatness.” These men started from moderate lives and grew, by faith and endurance, to extraordinary lives. Jeff says, “You want an extraordinary life, but do you know how to get there? The first step involves trusting that God is involved in every single event, both good and bad.” Do you believe that God has greatness in store for you? How could God be waiting for you to respond in faith before taking you to this great adventure?

8. Where are you with this resolution? To what degree do you see God as active in “unfortunate events” that come your way?

9. How have you overcome an “unfortunate event” in your life? What actions did you take? What actions did God take?

10. What grabs you the most from Philippians 4:6-7?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 4:6-7

11. What is the definition of “shalom?” How is this word best associated with a Christ-follower?