Distinct Peace in Christ

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)   
     Passage: Psalm 108:1-5

         A Gallop survey was taken a few years ago to find out how stressed out people in different countries felt. 55% of Americans reported feeling highly stressed the day before the survey. That number ranked Americans as tied for fourth of all the countries which were surveyed along with Iran, Sri Lanka and Albania. Americans listed stress over money and current expenses along with worries about crime and violence as their biggest stressors.

Stress is a natural and physical reaction to life circumstances. No one will avoid feeling stress, but if the stress levels stay elevated for extended periods, they take tolls on health physically, emotionally and mentally. God created people with capacity to learn to deal with stress, but while people can experience peace in their lives, there is a deeper peace that God has available for believers. It is the distinct peace of Christ that is present as part of the fruit of the Spirit. His peace can be experienced regardless of any circumstances and it is yours in Christ.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)