Sermon Recap

• Pastor Suzanne talked about how the Holy Spirit invites us to choose into practices that bring peace. 
• She talked about how the command “do not let your hearts be troubled” is more accurately translated “do not let your hearts be continually troubled.” Jesus himself talked about being troubled, but that we are encouraged to choose practices of slowing down that keep us from continuing in our anxiety and trouble.
• The world tells us that we will get peace through external realities changing (i.e. more money, being successful, going to a spa, etc.) but the peace that Jesus gives changes our internal reality so that we can find peace even when our external realities are troubling.
• Suzanne used the image of a jar of water and dirt being shaken up. She said that it is only when the jar is able to sit still that the dirt settles, and we begin to get clarity and peace. She invited us to consider being still and slowing down to let the “dirt” settle so that we can get clear about what the Holy Spirit is inviting us to do.

Reflection Questions

• What is “troubling” (agitating, producing anxiety) for you right now?
• What do you tend to do to seek peace or distraction when you are feeling anxious and troubled?
• What would it look like for you to choose to slow down and be still instead of the things you usually do?

Slowing down can be hard. This 3-minute breathing exercise can help you start the process of sitting still and slowing down to help you prepare to focus on the presence of God and listen for the Holy Spirit.