CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

We live in a noisy world—externally and internally. Think about a season in your life where the noise felt deafening—maybe it was anxiety, stress, grief, or just the pace of life. What did you try to do to find peace? Did it help? Did it last?
Share with the group a time when God provided a deeper, louder peace that surprised you—even in the middle of chaos.

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

Read John 14:27​; Philippians 4:4-8; Matthew 11:28-30 together and discuss:

• Jesus says in John 14:27, “My peace I give you…not as the world gives.” What’s the difference between the kind of peace the world offers and the kind Jesus gives? How have you experienced that contrast? Have you ever sensed Divine peace?
  
  
• Reading Philippians 4:4-8, Paul gives us four habits to develop a peaceful life. Simply put, they are Celebrate, Communicate, Center, and Contemplate. Which of these habits comes naturally to you? Which is the hardest for you? Why?
  
  
• Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us of the rest Jesus offers. What does it mean to “take His yoke” upon you? How could living with Jesus (rather than for Him or near Him) begin to change your inner life?
  
  
• Who in your life is in the midst of the noise right now? How can you be a presence of peace for them?

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

God’s peace isn’t passive—it’s powerful. These prompts will help you take intentional steps this week to carry peace.

• Evaluate Your Noise: What is one “noise” in your life—external or internal—that’s dominating your mental or emotional space? What’s one way you can turn that down and let God’s peace rise up louder?
  
  
• Revisit the 4 C’s (Celebrate, Communicate, Center, Contemplate): Which one can you commit to focusing on this week? What’s one, specific way you could live that out this week?
  
  
• WINDOW Reflection: Use the WINDOW tool as a personal check-in today:
  
  • Withdrawn, Irritable, Numb, Disconnected, Overwhelmed, Weary 
  • Which letters are showing up for you? Is there a pattern? What do they reveal about your current emotional and spiritual state?
  • Reminder: One? Pray, Two? Talk to a friend, Three or more? Talk to a counselor
    
• Start a “Peace Practice”: Whether it’s a walk without your phone, five minutes of silent prayer, or journaling your prayers—what rhythm can you build to make room for peace?
  
  
• Help Someone Else Carry Peace: Who around you seems to be struggling in the noise? How can you be an Unhurried Friend this week—offering presence and peace without needing to fix everything?

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

God, we live in a world that never seems to quiet down. The pressure, the pace, the pain—it all gets loud. But You offer us a peace that’s louder than the noise. Thank You for the reminder that peace isn’t pretending things are perfect—it’s knowing You are present. Help us to practice Your peace every day. Show us where we’ve been trying to mute the chaos instead of letting Your Spirit meet us in it. Be our calm in the storm. And help us bring Your peace to others too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER - “Further Study & Reflection”

[STEP ONE: Walk through the WINDOW]

At the end of each day this week, rate yourself on each letter of the WINDOW acronym Withdrawn, Irritable, Numb, Disconnected, Overwhelmed, Weary and commit to sharing your feelings with a trusted friend.

[STEP TWO: 4 C’s Journal]

Create four sections in a journal labeled: Celebrate, Communicate, Center, Contemplate. Spend a few minutes in each section for the next five days. Write out what God reveals to you.

[STEP THREE: One Peaceful Act]

Choose one action this week that promotes peace for someone else—write a note, make a meal, go on a walk, or offer prayer. Be intentional about letting someone know they’re not alone in the noise.