Pace In His Leading
Pastor Ben Johnson – June 21, 2026
Psalms 23:1-2 (NIV) – The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
Rest isn’t found in being in CONTROL. Rest is found in SURRENDERING control to the ONE who is.
Key Text: 15:3-7 (NLT)
Following Peace
1. Recognize that what most are CHASING isn’t WORKING.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
If what you’re pursuing isn’t PRODUCING peace, you may be FOLLOWING the wrong thing.
2. Create a REGULAR rhythm of REALIGNMENT.
Exodus 20:8-10 (NIV) – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.”
Rest from WORK – Receive REFRESHMENT – Reconnect with GOD – Reorient around TRUST
When? Where? What?
You can only care for and lead others from the place where you’re LIVING yourself.
3. Look for God’s WAY when you don’t know what to DO.
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) – This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
S - Stop and pray T -Turn to God’s Word E - Engage wise councel P - Proceed in faith
One Last Thought
Peace isn’t found when life SLOWS DOWN. Rather, when you choose to be CLOSE to the Shepherd.
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: When you need to clear your mind, unwind, or recharge, where’s your favorite place to go and why?
DIGGING IN: Read Matthew 11:25-30 together.
1. In this season of life, what demands most of your attention, energy, or emotional focus?
2. How can you tell the difference between healthy ambition and unhealthy striving?
3. The message said, “If what you’re pursuing isn’t producing peace, you may be following the wrong thing.” What tends to steal your peace most often?
4. Jeremiah 6:16 talks about standing at the crossroads and choosing God’s path. When you hear the phrase, “Follow God,” what comes to mind?
5. Which of the four practices is most challenging for you right now: rest from work, receiving refreshment, reconnecting with God, or reorienting around trust?
6. Share a time when you felt in complete alignment with God’s leading.
BRINGING IT HOME: Before you wrap up, take a few moments to pray for one another. Share any needs, burdens, or situations where you need God’s peace and direction. Pray for each other, your families, and the people God has entrusted to your care, asking the Good Shepherd to help you follow His leading and experience the rest that only He can provide.