By Cynthia Hyle Bezek
Note: This Bible study is formatted for small group open discussion. If you use this study by yourself, we suggest you journal your answers to the discussion questions. Also, please use suggested translations where indicated. Biblegateway.com is an excellent source for translations you may not have on hand.
I’m no physics geek, but I do remember a few things from high school science. I remember Newton’s Law of Motion, that says, in part, that an object in motion will stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
This principle is true in the natural, physical world. And when I read the articles for this issue of Prayer Connect, I thought about how it applies to our spiritual world as well. Jesus promised that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). A force—let’s call it trouble—presses against us. It’s part of living in a fallen world. If we do nothing, that force will keep trouble moving, like a snowball down a mountain, until it crushes us. That’s what the enemy wants.
But Jesus does not call us to do nothing. He calls us to overcome! When, by God’s empowering, we exert force against these trials, peace comes. The outward circumstances may or may not change, but our inward condition will. “Then [we] will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard [our] hearts and minds as [we] live in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7, nlt).
So what is this “force” that we can use as resistance when our world is in turmoil? That’s what this Bible study is all about.
Discussion Questions
In his article, “Yes, You Will Have Trouble,” Jerry Tankersley quotes words he found helpful from Dallas Willard: “What better place to have a meltdown than in the presence of the God of peace?” The first type of resistance we can exert against the turmoil of our lives is honest, gut-felt prayer. Read Psalms 13, 79, and 86. Choose the one that resonates most with what you are feeling right now. Then answer the following questions:
What emotions does the psalmist express?
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What questions does he ask?
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What petitions of God does he make?
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What indicators do you see of his faith?
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Mark Forrester suggests that relational conflicts may actually be ministry assignments from God. Think of a relationship that is difficult for you. With that relationship in mind, prayerfully read the following verses from Proverbs and note any insights that may prove useful as you put up resistance against trouble.
15:1
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16:32
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17:9–10
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25:21–22
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In the story of his personal journey with a cancer diagnosis, Dave Butts relates that “the peace of God is a strong guard that protects us and allows us to overcome a situation through the thoughts that come from Him.” One of the things that can help us cultivate God’s peace, he says, is Bible study. Study the following Scriptures and note the nature of the trouble, the feelings associated with that trouble, and how faith in God brought/brings peace.
Matthew 6:25–34
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Matthew 8:23–27
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Mark 5:21–24, 35–43
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Luke 21:12–15
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John 11:17–27, 38–44
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Romans 4:18–24
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Philippians 4:4–9
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1 Peter 5:8–11
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Action Steps
A spiritual discipline of praying the Psalms is one way Jerry Tankersley finds peace in the midst of trial. Commit to praying at least one psalm a day for a month. Write your plan for doing that. Consider doing this with a friend or family member as a means of encouraging one another.
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Tankersley also has found that worshiping with God’s people helps him remain steady in the face of turmoil. Is God calling you to change or strengthen anything about your worship habits? If so, write some thoughts about how to do that.
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Mark Forrester challenges us to use social media and technology to bring a message of hope to the troubled world around us. What would it be like if you were to consider social media primarily as a tool for ministry? Write down at least three ways you can use social media and technology to minister to others, then plan to act on those this month.
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Choose a Scripture verse or passage that can help you partner with the Holy Spirit for the transformation needed to trust God, come what may. Write the verse(s) you select below. Review every day until memorized. Ask God to bring this passage to mind whenever you start feeling overwhelmed by the troubles of this world.
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CYNTHIA HYLE BEZEK is a regular contributor to Prayer Connect and the editorial director for Community Bible Study.
