This document discusses finding peace in difficult times through developing an intimate relationship with God. It begins with Bible verses about the fruit of the Spirit being peace. It then analyzes Isaiah 43:1-7, noting God's promises to be with his people and not let them be overcome by dangers. Developing peace depends on knowing God, not freedom from adversity. Getting to know God intimately, like a close human relationship, can produce his Spirit's peace despite life's anxieties. The document urges taking steps to strengthen one's relationship with God.

1. PEACE

2. Growing in the Likeness of Christ

3. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

4. PEACE Isaiah 43:1-7

5. 1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; 7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

6. We live in a tense, anxious times. Stress-related illnesses have reached epidemic proportions.

7. Rat race, Peer pressure, Dead-lines, Targets, Competition, Unfair practices, Corruption, Unrighteousness, False Love, Broken Homes, Broken Relationships, Unfaithfulness, Mockery, Insult, Shame, Rejection, Humiliation.

8. How can we know the peace of God when our world seems to be falling to pieces?

9. How can we experience the calm, quiet fruit that God’s Spirit offers?

10. Isaiah 43 reveals the love and care of the One whose Spirit lives in us.

11. Discussion

12. 1. Imagine an anxiety scale numbered 1-10 (1= very peaceful; 10= very anxious). How would you rate your life on this scale? Explain. 2. In Isaiah 43:1-7, what words and phrases indicate God’s special relationship with Israel? 3. Twice God tells His people not to be afraid (vv.1,5). What dangers might they face (v.2)? 4. If the peace of God does not depend on freedom from adversity (v.2), on what does it depend? 5. What role then can adversity play in developing peace?

13. 6. How do verses 3-4 foreshadow what God eventually does for his people? 7. If you knew nothing about God except what you learned from this passage, what would you find him to be like? 8. What relation do you see between knowing who God is and being able to receive the peace he offers?

14. 9. Think of the most significant human being in your life, someone you love, trust and understand (and who understands you). How did you get to know this person so intimately? 10. In what similar ways can you get to know God? 11. Consider the things you are anxious about currently. How can knowing God intimately produce His Spirit’s peace in you? 12. What steps will you take in the next week to help develop such a relationship?

15. John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Key Verse