Well, double peace, of course.
And that’s exactly what Isaiah 26:3 promises: “peace peace” for all “whose minds are stayed” on God. In the Hebrew language, repeating the same word twice is a way of emphasizing it and amplifying it, which is why most translators interpret the phrase as “perfect peace.”
If that sounds good to you, I invite you to gather and worship and walk in a double dose of God’s peace this week.
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(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)
Title: Peace Peace // Scripture: Isaiah 26:3
ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.
SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes
What could be better than deep, flourishing, God-sheltered peace? Well, double peace, of course. That’s exactly what Isaiah 26:3 promises: “peace peace” for all “whose minds are stayed” on God. In the Hebrew language, repeating the same word twice is a way of emphasizing it and amplifying it, which is why most translators interpret the phrase as “perfect peace.” When other empires or circumstances seem to be ruling over us or overwhelming us, it can seem like peace is evading us. By remembering what God has done for us can give us courage to keep faithfully doing what is right while we are waiting on God. Keeping our mind stayed on God is being intentional with the 5% of the conscious interaction we have with the world.
THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.
God’s promise of peace is available. We access it by living what we know is right.
SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes
Picture (What is the story saying?): What knowledge of God do the people of Israel have? Do the people have current experience with God’s peace? What is Isaiah saying to a nation whose stories of God’s deliverance seem more like far off fiction?
Mirror (Where am I in the story?): What are your most deeply held beliefs about God? What habits do you have that keep your mind stayed on God? Are your beliefs and habits bringing the reality of God’s perfect peace?
Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): What are some things that are automatic thinking for you? Are you aware of any stereotypes you have of certain people? What feelings or situations trigger a strong reaction for you? How can you exercise your will to change one thing about your frame of mind?
BE IT – Practice Which of these areas is God speaking to you about this week?
Change UP // Repetition
Our minds are shaped by what we put into them. Our lives will take the shape of the thoughts we allow to become automatic. Spend time this week repeatedly reflecting on Psalm 19. The God who has framed the path for the sun wants to shape your path. Pick a couple of verses God seems to be highlighting for you and memorize them.
Change IN // Remembrance
Remember the thin spaces we talked about a few weeks ago? How are you remembering God in your time in the cave with him? What about the road where you meet people day today? What about the table where you gather for community? And what about the fire where you invite God to search your heart? Review God’s promises and remember his perfect peace is available in these thin places.
Change OUT // Reaction
How will you use your willpower? Ask God to help you see one mental or emotional loop that leads you to an over sensitive or extreme reaction. How can remembering Jesus disrupt that loop?
CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.