Finding Peace
Okay, so teens don’t always seem like the most peace-loving people on the planet. Or in the house. But everyone wants peace of mind, even if some of us seem to want to have it really loudly.
After last week’s excursion into madness, that is anger, it seems right to find a few minutes to talk this week with our kids about peace. In a time of life virtually defined by angst, we’re convinced that Christian teens can represent Christ in their circles of influence by walking in and exhibiting genuine peace of mind—not just by pretending that nothing is bothering them.
As always, these conversations are meant to offer parents an opportunity to be honest about their own history, struggles, and success stories. Don’t be afraid to open up about how you wrestle with anxiety, anger, or fear to walk with the peace of Christ.
We hope a few of the following questions will give you a few good minutes of conversation with your son or daughter.
Talking Points
- Are there times of day or days of the week when you feel more peaceful than others? Times when you feel less peaceful? Why do you think that is?
- What kinds of emotions are most likely to steal your peace of mind? Stress? Anxiety? Anger? Fear? What helps you to overcome that?
- Can a loud, active person also have peace and quiet in his or her heart? Does being peaceful mean you have to also being boring or bored?
- Where does peace of mind come from?
- Do you struggle to find peace when you go to bed at night? How can choosing to trust God with what’s on your mind help with that? (Psalm 4:8)
- Is peace something that just happens to you if you’re lucky or blessed? Or is it something you have to go after? (Psalm 34:14)
- Is it reasonable to expect to do wrong things and feel peaceful at the same time? Why or why not? (Psalm 85:10; Isaiah 32:17)
- If you’re having trouble finding peace in your mind or emotions, does it makes sense to check your life to see if you’re doing some sinful things?
- Have strong feelings or envy or jealousy ever stolen your peace? (Proverbs 14:30)
- Do you think you can lose your sense of peace when you’re chasing money or stuff or success?
- What kinds of things can make our household or our lives feel stressful? What could bring more peace into our house and our relationships? (Proverbs 17:1)
- Proverbs 29:17 tells parents that one way to have a peaceful relationship with sons is to discipline them. How do you think that works out in our lives together?
- Do you ever feel more peaceful after reading or studying God’s Word? (Psalm 119:165)
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