1 Peter 1:3-9
God’s promise of hope and peace in the midst of life’s trials and difficulties can empower us to move forward with courage and faith.
Sometimes we feel like we’re on top of the world, but other times we’re just trying to hold it together. It can be hard to find peace when everything around us is constantly changing and throwing us curve balls. We want to feel hopeful and secure, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by anxiety and worry. So what’s the deal? Is there a way to find calm in the chaos? Can we really rise above the madness and find a sense of peace? Let’s dig into these big questions and explore how hope can help us push through the tough times.
Starting Out:
- When was the most peaceful time you have experienced?
- What do you think is the biggest obstacle to people experiencing peace in their lives?
- When your peace is threatened, what do you do?
Read 1 Peter 1:3-9:
- In verse 3, Peter speaks of “a living hope” concerning the future. What do you think he means by this?
- How might trying to minimize the dangers or eliminate the risks in life adversely affect this living hope we hold in our hearts?
- In what ways do we act on the lie that if we avoid hardships we will find peace?
- In verse 5, Peter says that we “are being protected” right now. What do you think God wants you to experience under His protection?
- When you don’t feel peace, to where do you normally turn? What are some of your coping mechanisms?
- Verse 7 talks about the genuineness of your faith in facing trials. What else do our reactions to trials reveal about what we really believe?
- Peter speaks of a reward in verse 9. How does resting on this promise give you the courage to embrace your circumstances and claim your peace?
Taking it Home:
- What difficult situations and circumstances are you or your family currently facing?
- How might God be using that situation to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with Him?
Ways to Pray:
- Adoration: Praise God for giving us a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Confession: Repent of worrying and being anxious about the future, instead of trusting in God’s promises.
- Thankfulness: Give thanks to God for guarding us with His power through faith, and for protecting us from harm and danger.
- Supplication: Pray for those who are currently facing trials and difficulties, that they may experience God’s presence, comfort, and peace.
Additional Scriptures to Engage with this week:
- Psalm 37
- Deuteronomy 32
- Psalm 65
- Micah 7
- Psalm 94
- Hebrews 13:1-7