• How did you go this week with Nurturing Your Home?

  • What have you been reflecting on and thinking about?

  • Have you made any changes to your home life this week? If so, how has it gone?

• How have you made time to rest well this week?

Read Mark 1:35-38, 6:31-32, 14:32-33

Throughout the gospels we read of Jesus making time for rest, away from the crowds and his ministry, and especially time to pray

• Why do you think Jesus made it a priority to withdraw and pray?

• Do you think the disciples understood why Jesus was doing this?

• Do you think modern Christians continue to follow the disciples in misunderstanding rest in our spiritual lives? Why/why not?

Read Isaiah 30:15-18

These words were spoken to Judah when they were under threat from Assyria, and instead of trusting in God they trusted in another of their enemies, Egypt.

• Why do you think God's people refused to repent and rest in quietness and trust?

• In what way is quietness and trust 'strong'?

• What do you think it means in verse 18 that we are blessed if we can 'wait for God'?

  • When is it appropriate to stop and wait for God? And when should we go and do what he has given us to do?

  • How do we discern the wise time to wait, and the wise time to act?

• Do you have any stories from your own walk with God where you needed to stop and wait instead of rushing in and doing things at your own pace?

Read Matthew 11:28-30

• What do Jesus's words here mean to you, in light of everything we've discussed so far?

• How do we 'take ground' in the area of rest in our lives?

  • What does it look like practically to actively choose to take Jesus's yoke upon ourselves and find rest for our souls?

• On your own - take some time to think ahead for the next 3-5 days. Take stock of what's coming up for you:

  • What do you have planned? Do you think it's too much?

  • What do you think you'll do in your 'down time' between planned activities?

  • How will you make the most of your time, in a healthy and balanced way?

• Pair up with someone in your group - discuss how you're thinking and feeling about the pace of the next few days, and pray for one another that you would be attentive to God's pace and His priorities in your time this week.