Finding Shalom: Peace Amidst Life's Storms
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of "shalom," the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. We began by acknowledging the trials and tribulations that everyone faces, emphasizing that negative news and challenging circumstances are universal experiences. However, the peace of God, or shalom, is not dependent on external conditions but is a deep, abiding presence that sustains us through life's storms.
We discussed the difference between happiness and peace, noting that happiness is often fleeting and dependent on circumstances, while true peace remains even when things are not going well. This peace is rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world and offers us His peace in the midst of tribulation (John 16:33).
We also examined the story of Gideon in Judges 6:24, who built an altar and called it "The Lord is Peace" during a time of great fear and oppression. This story illustrates that even in the darkest times, God's peace can prevail. We are encouraged to be like the little bird in the storm, singing despite the chaos around us, because we trust in God's sovereignty and His plans for our lives.
Furthermore, we touched on the importance of not allowing external factors or other people to steal our peace. We must guard our hearts and minds, ensuring that our peace is anchored in Christ and not in the ever-changing circumstances of life. This involves a conscious effort to focus on gratitude, trust in God's plans, and maintain a steadfast mind.
Finally, we were reminded to be peacemakers in our communities, families, and workplaces, reflecting the peace of Christ in all our interactions. We concluded with a call to release all anxiety, stress, and doubt to God, trusting Him to carry us through and to live out the shalom of the Holy Spirit.
### Key Takeaways
1. Shalom in the Storm: True peace, or shalom, is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in the midst of it. Just as Gideon built an altar and called it "The Lord is Peace" during a time of fear, we too can find peace in God even when life is chaotic. This peace is a deep, abiding presence that sustains us through all circumstances. [01:08:36]
2. Guarding Your Peace: We must be vigilant in guarding our peace, not allowing external factors or other people to steal it. This involves a conscious effort to focus on gratitude, trust in God's plans, and maintain a steadfast mind. Our peace should be anchored in Christ, not in the ever-changing circumstances of life. [01:03:03]
3. Peace vs. Happiness: There is a significant difference between happiness and peace. Happiness is often fleeting and dependent on circumstances, while true peace remains even when things are not going well. This peace is rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world and offers us His peace in the midst of tribulation. [01:16:01]
4. Being Peacemakers: As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers in our communities, families, and workplaces. This means reflecting the peace of Christ in all our interactions and striving to maintain unity and harmony. We should be advocates for peace, especially in times of conflict and division. [01:17:51]
5. Living in Gratitude: A key aspect of maintaining peace is living in gratitude. By focusing on what God has done and is doing in our lives, we can shift our perspective from worry and anxiety to trust and thankfulness. This gratitude fuels our faith and helps us to see God's hand at work, even in difficult times. [01:23:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Introduction to Shalom
[2:30] - Trials and Tribulations
[5:15] - Difference Between Peace and Happiness
[8:00] - Story of Gideon
[12:00] - Guarding Your Peace
[15:30] - Being Peacemakers
[18:00] - Living in Gratitude
[21:00] - Peace in Relationships
[24:00] - Peace in the Workplace
[27:00] - Peace in Families
[30:00] - Peace During Trials
[33:00] - Peace with the Future
[36:00] - Peace in Decisions
[39:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 16:33 (NIV) - "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."
2. Judges 6:24 (NIV) - "So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."
3. Philippians 4:7 (NIV) - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise us in John 16:33 about the troubles we will face in this world? How does He assure us of peace? [58:58]
2. In Judges 6:24, why did Gideon name the altar "The Lord Is Peace"? What was the context of this event? [01:08:36]
3. According to Philippians 4:7, what will the peace of God do for our hearts and minds? How is this peace described? [01:30:42]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the peace that Jesus offers in John 16:33 differ from the peace the world offers? Why is this distinction important for believers? [58:58]
2. Reflecting on Gideon's story in Judges 6:24, how can we find peace in God during our own times of fear and oppression? What practical steps can we take to build our own "altars" of peace? [01:08:36]
3. Philippians 4:7 speaks of a peace that transcends all understanding. How can this peace guard our hearts and minds in practical terms? What might this look like in everyday life? [01:30:42]
### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent storm or trial in your life. How did you respond to it? Did you experience the peace of God during that time? If not, what could you do differently next time to seek His peace? [01:00:14]
2. Identify one area in your life where you feel your peace is being stolen. What steps can you take to guard your peace in that area? How can you anchor your peace in Christ rather than in changing circumstances? [01:03:03]
3. Reflect on the difference between happiness and peace as discussed in the sermon. Can you recall a time when you were not happy but still felt at peace? What contributed to that sense of peace? [01:16:01]
4. As a peacemaker, how can you bring the peace of Christ into your community, family, or workplace this week? Identify one specific action you can take to promote peace in a current conflict or stressful situation. [01:17:51]
5. Gratitude is a key aspect of maintaining peace. List three things you are grateful for right now. How can focusing on these blessings help shift your perspective from worry and anxiety to trust and thankfulness? [01:23:53]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of living in the moment and appreciating those around us. How can you practice this in your daily life? Is there someone you need to express gratitude or forgiveness to this week? [01:25:27]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of releasing anxiety, stress, and doubt to God in your daily routine? What specific prayer or action can you commit to this week to help you live out the shalom of the Holy Spirit? [01:37:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Shalom in the Storm
True peace, or shalom, is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in the midst of it. Just as Gideon built an altar and called it "The Lord is Peace" during a time of fear, we too can find peace in God even when life is chaotic. This peace is a deep, abiding presence that sustains us through all circumstances. [01:08:36]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Think of a current storm in your life. How can you actively invite God's presence into this situation to experience His shalom?
Day 2: Guarding Your Peace
We must be vigilant in guarding our peace, not allowing external factors or other people to steal it. This involves a conscious effort to focus on gratitude, trust in God's plans, and maintain a steadfast mind. Our peace should be anchored in Christ, not in the ever-changing circumstances of life. [01:03:03]
Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: Identify one external factor or person that often disrupts your peace. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and mind against this disruption?
Day 3: Peace vs. Happiness
There is a significant difference between happiness and peace. Happiness is often fleeting and dependent on circumstances, while true peace remains even when things are not going well. This peace is rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world and offers us His peace in the midst of tribulation. [01:16:01]
John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt unhappy. How can you shift your focus from seeking happiness to seeking the peace that Jesus offers?
Day 4: Being Peacemakers
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers in our communities, families, and workplaces. This means reflecting the peace of Christ in all our interactions and striving to maintain unity and harmony. We should be advocates for peace, especially in times of conflict and division. [01:17:51]
Matthew 5:9 (ESV): "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Reflection: Think of a recent conflict you were involved in. How can you approach similar situations in the future as a peacemaker, reflecting the peace of Christ?
Day 5: Living in Gratitude
A key aspect of maintaining peace is living in gratitude. By focusing on what God has done and is doing in our lives, we can shift our perspective from worry and anxiety to trust and thankfulness. This gratitude fuels our faith and helps us to see God's hand at work, even in difficult times. [01:23:53]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: List three things you are grateful for today. How can you make gratitude a daily practice to help maintain your peace?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sometimes in the midst of the rain, God wants us to dance, sometimes in the midst of the storm, God wants you to lift your hands and says, I am going to live under the shalom of the mighty God." [57:27] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want you to begin to think of something in your life, or maybe things in your life that are stealing your peace right now. Things that are maybe keeping you up at night. Things that you're worried about as human beings, right? Things that you're wondering like, how is this all going to work out?" [01:03:03] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I pray to God that we would be the biggest peacemakers in this city, in this planet, in this country. Anybody know any drama folks? They love drama. Anybody? It's got to be at least a couple of us, right? Everything can be as small, but they turn it around and turn it into a huge drama." [01:01:37] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want you to test your heart right now. Put your hand in your heart. Social media, I want you to place your hand in your heart. And I don't know, they say that one side is your heart. I really don't know which one it is, but I always go with the middle. Some of you guys know. Some of you guys know exactly what your heart is at." [01:20:10] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want you to lift it up to Christ. Whatever it may be. Raise it up high. Raise it up high. That nothing or no one may steal that peace from us, right? That you may be able to say, man, I'm going to release in the name of Jesus. Say release. I'm going to release in the name of Jesus all anxiety, all doubt, all discomfort, all stress." [01:37:41] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There's a difference between peace and happiness, happiness is when individuals, everything is going good your way, so you're happy, you're excited, you're rejoicing, you're celebrating, but how about when things don't go well, happiness is gone, maybe joy is gone, can you still experience the shalom of the mighty Lord God Almighty, can you still walk, can you still operate, can you still realize that God is still with you." [57:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I think some of us have allowed this world to take our peace have allowed this world to say man there's so many trials too many things going on then I'm gonna give up my peace and I'll ask you a bold question but I think it's worth asking who has your peace or who stole your peace and it's human beings were quick to to blame someone else to blame government to blame society to blame friends to blame family but someone gave them the authority to take your peace." [57:27] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want you to begin to think of something in your life, or maybe things in your life that are stealing your peace right now. Things that are maybe keeping you up at night. Things that you're worried about as human beings, right? Things that you're wondering like, how is this all going to work out? I was asking and talking to some good friends last night, and they said, man, literally like, I think I got about 10, 12 years left to retire. I don't know how it's going to look. I don't have like a whole roadmap of how it's going to be, but let me tell you something. I do have the shalom of God, and that's priceless, right?" [01:03:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I wonder who today needs to be forgiven. I wonder who today we need to forgive. Whether it be a son, whether it be a daughter, whether it be a boss, whether it be a relative. Has anybody been done wrong in life? Somebody did you wrong? Anybody? I've been there, right? You've probably been there. Could you imagine me taking that to the grave and for the Lord to say, man, you couldn't just simply forgive? You couldn't just simply say, I'm not going to allow unforgiveness to eat my peace." [01:17:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want you to test your heart right now. Put your hand in your heart. Social media, I want you to place your hand in your heart. And I don't know, they say that one side is your heart. I really don't know which one it is, but I always go with the middle. Some of you guys know. Some of you guys know exactly what your heart is at. And they say, I don't know if research has been done, make a fist. They say, right, Yvonne, that's more or less the size of your heart. I don't know if it's been scientifically proven, but make the fist. Place it in your heart. A quick EKG. How's the peace level there?" [01:20:10] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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