Reading Group Guide
1. According to the introduction, what are the marks of a misdirected life? As you look through the list, do you find any that you’ve experienced personally? Have you seen evidence of any of them in the lives of others? How do they affect the peace a person does or doesn’t experience?
2. Have you or has someone you’ve known ever swallowed the lie that to be happy you have to be gorgeous? What affect does that belief have on a person’s peace level? On her self-value? On her happiness in general? On her fruitfulness for Christ?
3. What is your take on how to find fulfillment in life? What common misconceptions about finding fulfillment and happiness do you commonly see in others? How does it affect their lives?
4. As you analyze your schedule, do you see something that needs to go so that you can give your quiet time with the Lord a greater place of prominence? What do you think are the biggest hindrances to keeping your time with the Lord every day? Think of some practical, concrete ways you can creatively get past those hindrances and carve out that special time.
5. What does a life look like when emotions are ruling? Can you think of a time when your life looked like that? How much peace were you experiencing? How does our thought-life impact what happens in our emotions? In our actions and reactions? In our walk with Christ? In the peace we experience or don’t experience?
6. Is there a difference between thinking right, doing right, and becoming a slave to right? If so, what is the difference? Have you ever encountered a person who tried to instruct you in right living but wasn’t living it themselves? What kinds of feelings did that stir up? How does it affect your own desire to live what you believe?
7. When you look at your life and examine how you see and treat others, do you see a demonstration of the grace of the Father? Do you notice areas where you could/should exercise more grace? Where could you find the ability to do that?
8. What are some sad or strange ways we see people searching for peace? How many people have you seen giving all their energies to the search but never finding it? What is the difference between seeking peace and seeking happiness?
9. What are some specific examples of pursuing peace by fleeing sin? How do we know when to flee sin and when to stand and fight? Does your answer to this question call you to any particular action?
10. Have you ever witnessed someone giving or serving in a “radical surrender” kind of way? Have you ever given with that kind of surrender? Have you ever witnessed someone giving or serving in the midst of their own crisis, pain, or struggle? What effect did the person’s sacrifice have on you and others who saw it?
11. Have you ever experienced a time when you didn’t have a lot of friends? What did you miss most? Have there been times you’ve had to actively reach out, offer friendship to another, and take some risks? If so, what were the results?
12. Hustling and bustling? How do we know for sure we’re too busy? Is there any busyness you think might be pushing your heavenly Father out of your day? If so, what needs to go? Are you ready to put your schedule on the altar and make sure your agenda lines up with his?
13. Have you ever met a Christian so genuine you desired to imitate her? Describe those things you most admire about her. Have any of those qualities become more evident in your own life? As you have imitated her example, have you noticed becoming an example to others? Do you think there may be those who are following you? How can you ensure that you’re leading in the right direction?
14. Can you think of a time in your life when Jesus calmed your storm? Can you think of a time when he gave you peace in the midst of the storm, but the storm raged on? What was special about each? When you’re weighted down with pressures and burdens and at the brink of despair, what can you do?
15. Is there any worry, guilt or heartache you’ve been holding on to? Are you ready to let his peace wash over it all? What happens when his peace washes over our sorrow? How can pride cause us to miss opportunities, blessings, and fruit? What other things can pride cause us to miss?