Part 2 – From Fear to Peace
Leader Guide
The list of fearful things is not only endless, but completely different for each one of us. You might have a snake as a pet, or faint at the sight of one! But it is a universal truth that we all have some fears. How do we move from fear to the peace of God? Let’s look at the Good Shepherd and all He does and provides for us.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What is one thing you wish you had and think will make you content or at peace?
Leader Note: This can be deep or light, depending on your group. Someone might feel a promotion is all they want, or a better car or a grandchild. You can make this lighter (if your group is new or young believers) by suggesting we think a steak every night might make us content, but we would soon get tired of steak, cake, champagne, or anything else we can imagine. Only Jesus completely satisfies our souls.
2. Read Psalm 23:1. How does David describe the Lord in this scripture? Do you see God the same way David does? How does Jesus describe Himself in John 10:14-15? In what area(s) do you need to let Jesus be your Shepherd? What burdens or needs does David have? In what areas do you trust Him to meet your needs, so that you are not in want? Discuss this verse: 2 Corinthians 9:8.
Leader Note: David makes this opening statement personal by declaring not only is the Lord “the” shepherd but says He is “MY” shepherd. Early in his life, David was a shepherd. He then slayed Goliath and was hunted by King Saul of Israel, who was jealous of his success. For years, David was simply running from King Saul. He was surrounded by battle; his best friend killed on the battlefield. He had an affair, killed a man to cover it up, and lost a child at birth. David’s struggles go on and on, but he lacks nothing because he has the Lord as his shepherd. When we have needs, burdens, decisions, hurts, etc., we put our trust in Him because He is our shepherd. Our deepest needs will be met, burdens carried, decisions guided, and hurts healed. Jesus Himself is our Shepherd, laying down His life for us, and He will provide for anything we need.
3. Read Psalm 23:2-3. How is David surrendering or submitting to God as his shepherd in these verses? What command comes to mind regarding rest? Does submitting to God’s commands lead to? How are you surrendering to God’s restoration in your life? What prevents you from being restored or refreshed by God? How do these same disciplines help you live a godly life?
Leader Note: God promises to provide us with good food and lead us to peace and rest. But we must follow Him. When we submit to his yoke and walk with Him, we are restored, made better than new. Observing the Sabbath, committing to a quiet time will help you hear solutions and solve your problems. This will bring you peace also. This will also point you in the way God wants you to go, His godly way, the way of righteousness.
4. Read Psalm 23:4 and Acts 1:8. Why was David so confident to be able to make a bold claim? What could make someone so “comfortable” and at peace while going through such a dark season? How can we learn to live more like David, with such a sense of childlike faith he had with God? What is the “gift” of more power, confidence, and the presence of God for believers today?
Leader Note: David had walked through such difficult times. (Reference leaders note for question 1.) He had been in dark seasons and walked through the valley. However, even with those low times, he was still able to trust God and allow God to comfort him. He knew that his situation didn’t have to affect his peace; rather his peace comes only from God. When we trust God and we allow our peace and confidence to come from Him with childlike faith, no matter what our situation looks like or the dark times we are in, He will protect us; if not physically, then we will be eternally alive with Him forever. Death is not that “end all” that we think of as humans. Because of Acts 1:8 and the gift and power of the Holy Spirit, New Testament believers (US!) should have even more confidence and power than David.
5. Final Thought: Read Psalm 23:5-6. What does David say will always prevail? Do you believe this? Why or why not? How has God “shown out” in your life in front of others? How does that allow you to be comforted by the Lord and put your trust in Him? What can you do this week to further trust God and allow Him to restore and satisfy you?
Leader Note: David says that goodness and mercy shall follow him and will always prevail. Having a heavenly focus can give us the right perspective on any situation we face. David has trained and become extremely focused on what God has ahead for him. He constantly had darkness surrounding him, but he was still able to focus on God. Instead of being focused on what is around him, he focuses on the table that God is preparing before him. He focuses on how God will gain glory, even amid enemies or an unbelieving world.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
6. Read Philippians 4:11-13. Paul was imprisoned while writing Philippians. Why does Paul say he is content even though he is in this situation? What secret has Paul learned? How can we learn to be content when we have little, yet remain humble when we have plenty?
Leader Note: Paul is saying that being at peace, being satisfied, does not come from what you have or what is happening to you, but rather from the Lord. Paul knows that God loves him, and he trusts that this is where the Lord wants him. Because of these two things, he is content because in Christ he is set free. We can be content with little or humble with plenty because we aren’t satisfied with material things, but rather satisfied by Christ. He is our peace.
7. Read John 4:13-14. What does this scripture say will help us to be satisfied, content, or in peace? What are things people try to fulfill their thirst instead of the living water? Why do we try to fill our thirst with earthly things rather than turning to Christ?
Leader Note: “Living water” in this passage is a metaphor for eternal life. It is what Jesus is referring to for this woman to feel satisfied. In this scripture, Jesus has just asked a woman from Samaria for a drink of water. The scripture goes on to show that the woman had five husbands. She was trying to find peace and contentment by filling her life with earthly things rather than turning to God. Many times, when we are feeling unease, tension, or not content with what we have, we turn to earthly things rather than finding rest and being restored with what Jesus can provide. God created us, we need Him, and we will never be satisfied without Him.
8. Read Matthew 6:25-34. This passage tells us that we should not be anxious about anything and even provides examples of things we are anxious about. When we are anxious about these things, we are not leaning into Jesus as dumb sheep, willingly following the One who will provide for all of our needs. Jesus gives us peace, contentment, and satisfaction as He supplies all we need, just as He does for the birds of the air or lilies of the field mentioned in the passage. Using the space below, write down some areas in your life (or share with your group) where you need to either not be anxious or areas you need to turn to God to fulfill you.