Anxious for Nothing Week 4 — The Peace of God Will Guard Your Heart

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:5

You can lose it all… only to discover that you haven’t. God has been there all along. God has not promised a life without storms, but He has promised to be there when you face them. ~ Max

Welcome to week four of the Anxious for Nothing Online Bible Study with Max Lucado!

Have you ever been in a storm so bad that you think you’ll die from it? I’ve been there. I remember the moment of wondering how I could continue functioning and enduring with a heart so broken and not actually die from it. Big storms, especially a collision of storms (called a “perfect storm”), will do that to you.

Are you desperate for the Lord like I am? I don’t know about you, but I can’t handle everything that is thrown at me without Jesus. It’s simply too much. I wish my life was easier, smoother, calmer and I wasn’t so desperate for Him all the time (and I bet you do, too), but storm-stopping is Jesus’ realm alone, right? Sometimes the only thing you can do is call out, “God I need You now!”

Standing on a road I didn’t plan
Wondering how I got to where I am
I’m trying to hear that still small Voice
I’m trying to hear above the noise
How many times have You heard me cry out
“God, please take this”?
How many times have You given me strength to
Just keep breathing
Oh, I need you
God, I need You now.
~ From “Need You Now” by Plumb

Like Paul’s in Acts 27, the disciples faced a “perfect storm”, too (see Matthew 14:22-36, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21). I so relate to how they must have been freaking out! And how the disciples must have been wondering where was Jesus when they were so desperate for Him!

Maybe you are wondering where God is in the middle of this terrible storm. Is He anywhere near. ~ Max

If evening began at 6:00 and Christ came at 3:00 in the morning, the disciples were alone in the storm for nine hours. Nine tempestuous hours. Long enough for more than one disciple to ask, “Where is Jesus?” ~ Max

I’m learning that in the middle of storms, Jesus is right with me. It seems like during storms I can sense His love more now than during calm seasons. Because that love is tested. Proven. Time and time again when all hell has broken loose, Jesus has been with me!

God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need Him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains.

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

River fountains splash joy, cooling God’s city, this sacred haunt of the Most High. God lives here, the streets are safe, God at your service from the crack of dawn. Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten, but Earth does anything He says.

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us. God-of-Angel-Armies protects us. — Psalm 46:1-7 MSG

In those “God, I need You now!” moments, He shows Himself and His love for us. And, He gives us His supernatural peace as a bonus prize!

As we do our part — rejoice in the Lord, purse a gentle spirit, pray about everything, and cling to gratitude — God does His part. He bestows upon us the peace of God. ~ Max

His peace. In the middle of the storm.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. — John 14:27

This week in your study:

1. Watch the video for session four on our study home page or live with other participants… Take notes in your study guide on pages 75-82.
2. Go through the study questions and activity with your group or on your own on pages 83-87.
3. Review Chapters 9-11 in Anxious for Nothing.
4. Enjoy your personal study this week on pages 88-96.
5. Watch parties on Mondays at 8pm CST.
6. Join the conversations about the study and get to know fellow participants in the private Facebook group!

Scriptures this Week

Matthew 14:24-25
Philippians 4:5
John 14:27
Philippians 4:7
Philippians 3:7
Philippians 3:9
Philippians 3:13
Acts 27:14
Acts 27:20-23
Isaiah 49:25
Isaiah 40:31
John 10:14
Matthew 23:9
Acts 27:22-23
John 16:33
2 Timothy 4:18

Prayer for the Week

Jesus, we love You. Thank You for never leaving us alone no matter what storms we face. Help us to hang on to You and to trust that You are working on our behalf. We are safe. Send Your angels when we need them. And, help us to rest in Your peace. Amen