And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. COLOSSIANS 3:15 ESV

Thank God for how he made me

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. PSALM 139:13-15 NLT

God made me…

More beautiful than I can see

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:12 NLT
Yet God has made everything beautiful. ECCLESIASTES 3:11 NLT, 1 SAMUEL 16:12, SONG OF SONGS 1:5

Stronger than I know

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. 1 TIMOTHY 1:12 NLT

More loved than I can feel

Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” JEREMIAH 31:3 NLT
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. JOHN 15:12 NLT

More gifted than I am aware

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:4 NLT

Thank God for how he has saved me

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:57 NLT
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. EPHESIANS 2:8 NLT
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. 1 JOHN 4:18 NLT

Thank God for how he is changing me

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ROMANS 8:28 NLT
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. ROMANS 12:2 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. What are some of the specific things fear or insecurity have kept you from doing or enjoying as you have gone through life?
2. Read Psalm 139:13-15. What is marvelous about what God made when he made you? (If you’re having a hard time answering, ask the group and allow them to answer with you.)
3. In a world so quick to point out our flaws, in what ways can the passage above help you as you battle with your fear and insecurity?
4. Read Colossians 3:15. When have you experienced the peace described in this passage? What words would you use to describe how it felt and what happened because of it?
5. What are some of the fears you are experiencing in your life right now?
6. In what specific ways can the peace of Christ and thankfulness help you combat your current fears?

Personal Reflection Guide

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 ESV
The word ‘let’ in this verse gives way to the idea that we have some kind of control over the peace we have, or don’t have, in our lives. A heart that is thankful and fearless comes from actively pursuing the God who wants to meet us and help us deal with all that needs to be dealt with. Fear is often a gauge that reveals how we are doing relationally with God. Living in fear and living with the absence of peace is not God’s design for our lives. How can you rearrange your day to carve out some time to be able to sit with God? As you find this time, be honest with him about your current levels of fear and peace. Remember, God is our peace and wants to give us peace. What are some ways you can let God’s peace rule in your heart today and all the days that follow?