Choosing Trust

May 20, 2017
Choosing Trust

Daily Reading
John 14:27-29
Psalm 66:8-20
This week’s sermon text: James 4:1-12

Field Notes
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (v. 27). How many times have you heard these words of Jesus quoted at a funeral? I have heard them all my life and found such comfort in them. They speak of hope in a time of pain and grief; of God’s unfailing love in a time of brokenness and despair.

In the first part of this verse, Jesus tells us that he will give us his peace. We are the recipients of divine comfort.

But look at the second part of the verse. There’s something we must do as well. Jesus tells us to not allow our hearts to be troubled, to not allow ourselves to be afraid. There’s a sense where we have a responsibility to choose faith and trust in God in times of grief or anxiety.

God has not left us defenseless in the face of life’s challenges and losses. We have two tools at our disposal: receiving the peace that Jesus offers and choosing to trust God in the midst of our trials.

Questions for the Field

• Are these verses from today’s reading familiar to you? In what circumstances have you heard them most frequently? Do you find comfort in them?
• Do you think it’s possible to choose faith and trust even in times of grief? If so, what difference would it make in how you experience life’s challenges?

Family Field Talk

• What makes you feel better when you are sad or afraid? What are some things you do to help someone else feel better when they are sad or afraid?

Prayer Guide
Loving Father, thank you for giving us your peace when we need it most. Strengthen our resolve to choose faith and trust in you even in times of grief or loss. Thank you for your Spirit who comes alongside us to help us, especially when we are at our weakest. Amen.