Big Idea: We cannot live as people of peace while constantly living at the pace of hurry. God created us with rhythms of work and rest, inviting us to slow down, trust Him, and experience His presence.

LEAN IN 

Life can feel like a never-ending list of things to do. Our culture celebrates productivity, busyness, and always being available. But Jesus invites us into a different way of living.

• On a scale of 1–10, how peaceful does your life feel right now? Would those closest to you agree?
• What tends to make you feel the most hurried, overwhelmed, or anxious?
• The message reminded us that hurry works against peace.
• What is one thing you could slow down or simplify in your life?

LOOK UP

Read Genesis 2:1–3 and Mark 6:31. Read both passages slowly together.

• What stands out to you about God’s example of rest in Genesis?
• What do you notice about Jesus’ invitation to His disciples in Mark 6:31?
• Why do you think rest is so important to God?

God Created Us for Work and Rest

Read Mark 2:27–28.

Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath was made for us. Rest is a gift from God, not another religious obligation.

• What makes it difficult for you to take time to rest?
• What would a life-giving day of rest look like for you?

Rest Requires Trust

Read Psalm 46:10.

Rest reminds us that God is God, and we are not. We can stop working, worrying, and trying to control everything because we trust Him.

• What responsibilities or worries are hardest for you to surrender to God?
• How might intentionally resting strengthen your trust in Him?

Learn to Rest in Your Blessings

Read 1 Peter 5:7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18.

Rather than constantly thinking about what needs to be done or what might go wrong, God invites us to surrender our worries and practice gratitude.

• What are three blessings in your life for which you are grateful right now?
• How could practicing gratitude help you experience more of God’s peace?f

Jesus offers us a different way to live.

Read Matthew 11:28–30.

• What does Jesus promise those who come to Him feeling weary and burdened?
• What is one burden you need to surrender to Jesus this week?
• What would need to change in your schedule to create more room for God’s presence and peace?

Take a moment of silence and pray:

“Jesus, help me slow down, surrender my worries, and trust You with my time. Teach me to rest in Your presence and experience Your peace.”

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us with a need for rest. Forgive us for the ways we hurry through life, try to control everything, and forget to trust You. Help us slow down, enjoy Your blessings, and create rhythms that keep us connected to You. Fill our hearts and minds with Your peace so that we can bring Your peace to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

STEP OUT 

Choose one or two:

1. Practice Sabbath
   Set aside intentional time this week to stop working, enjoy God’s blessings, and spend time with Him and the people you love.
2. Slow Down
   Choose one activity to eliminate or simplify so you have more room to rest.
3. Practice Stillness
   Spend five minutes each day in silence, listening to God and surrendering your worries to Him.
4. Count Your Blessings
   Each day, write down three things for which you are grateful. When anxiety comes, turn your attention toward God’s goodness.
5. Create a Rhythm of Peace
   Choose one daily habit—prayer, Scripture, a walk, an unhurried meal, or time away from screens—that helps you experience God’s presence.

Remember: Peaceful rest isn’t just about doing less. It’s about trusting God more and learning to live at the pace of His peace.