What peace (that passes understanding - Philippians 4:6-8) comes from truly, deeply, deep-down-to-the-core knowing and beleiving and living Psalm 118:1.
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Philippians 4:6-8 AMP
because...
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for his mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! Psalm 118:1
Father God, teach us the truth of Psalm 118:1. You are good. You are good to me. You are good to all of us. Your loving-kindness and mercy are forever! We can trust you. May we live without anxiety because we live in the joy that overflows from Your presence.
Discussion Questions (Just make a comment on this post for discussion:>)
1. Consider a detour in your own life - a time when you suddenly found yourself facing an unwelcome change in direction. At the time, how did it affect your understanding of and relationship to God?
2. Kay identifies two choices in the face of crisis: pull away from or turn toward God. Apply these two options to the scenario in question 1 above. Imagine the actions and results involved in pulling away from God. Imagine the actions and results involved in running toward Him. Discuss what you discover during this exercise.
3. "What is God's explanation for this broken system?" Kay cried out to her friend Elizabeth. Yet she concludes in this chapter that God is absolutely worthy of our trust. In your own words, explain how Kay bridges the gap between these two seemingly opposite perspectives. What is the condition of your own "bridge" between the reality of suffering and the trustworthiness of God?
4. Contemplate your willingness to lash yourself to the mast, as Kay describes it. What cost would you pay for doing so? What is the cost if you do not do so?
5. Read Job 23:8-10, then reread verse 9 aloud. Note the phrase "when he is at work." Picture your greatest suffering or fears as north, east, south, and west, then read the paragraph surrounding Kay's motto, "Control the controllables and leave the uncontrollables to God." What would you need to surrender to join Kay in her refrain?
6. Kay describes an epiphany in the bamboo hut with the suffering Cambodian woman. How did this epiphany transform her ministry?
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