Finding Peace in Chaos

Panic or Peace?

Tell the group this is a quick-thinking game to help everyone loosen up and have fun. Have everyone stand in a circle. You will go around the circle giving each person a very random or silly situation (for example: “You’re being chased by a duck,” “You just spilled spaghetti on your shirt,” or “Your phone just fell in the toilet”). As soon as you say their situation, they must respond immediately with either “PANIC!” and act it out in an exaggerated way, or “PEACE,” and calmly act like nothing is wrong.

Keep it moving quickly to keep the energy up. After one round, mix it up by letting youth come up with silly situations for each other.

For more information and a list of 25 scenarios, see Panic or Peace Game.

Follow-up questions:

• Was it hard to choose between panic and peace?
• Did anyone surprise you with how they responded?
• What made something feel more peaceful or more stressful?

That was fun—and maybe a little silly. But it shows something true: when stuff happens, we usually have a choice in how we respond. Sometimes we panic. Sometimes we try to act like we’re fine. And sometimes, we’re really not sure what to do at all.

In real life, stress and fear aren’t always funny. The things we deal with—at school, at home, or in the world—can feel heavy. It’s easy to feel like we have no control. But Jesus knows what that feels like. He talked to His friends about it too.

Today we’re going to hear something Jesus said when everything around His followers felt like it was falling apart. Let’s listen closely and see what He teaches us about staying calm, having faith, and finding peace even when life feels chaotic.

Read Luke 21:5-19 (End Times Warning) – the Gospel for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”

He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!

When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”

Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

“Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Let’s be real—life can feel overwhelming. There’s so much going on around us that we can’t control. We hear about wars and violence on the news. We see natural disasters and protests. Maybe someone in your family is sick. Maybe there’s fighting at home or drama with friends. School might feel like too much. Or maybe you just feel anxious, tired, or lost. It’s easy to feel like everything is falling apart.

Jesus knows that feeling. In Luke 21, He talks to His followers about a time when things would get really bad. He says the temple in Jerusalem, the most holy place for the Jewish people, would be torn down. That would’ve been shocking. It would be like someone saying your church was going to be burned down. Then Jesus says even more hard things are coming: wars, earthquakes, hunger, and betrayal. People will be scared. People will suffer.

But then Jesus says something surprising. He says, “Do not be terrified.” That’s kind of crazy, right? How are we supposed to stay calm when everything is falling apart? But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He promises that even in the middle of all that, God is still in control. He says, “Not a hair of your head will be destroyed.” That doesn’t mean nothing bad will ever happen to us. It means God sees us. He knows us. And He is with us through it all. Jesus finishes by saying, “By your endurance you will gain your souls.” That means if we hold on to Him, we’ll find something even greater than safety—we’ll find peace that lasts.

So, let’s talk about what this really means. Think about your life. What’s been making you feel stressed or out of control lately? Maybe you’ve been worried about your grades, or your future, or your friendships. Maybe it’s bigger stuff—like feeling unsure about the world or your place in it. You’re not alone in that. Everyone feels that way sometimes.

Where do you go when life feels too heavy? Do you try to distract yourself with music, social media, or games? That can help for a little while. But what happens when the noise is gone and the worry is still there? Jesus offers something better. He offers peace—not just a good feeling, but a calm that comes from knowing He is holding you, even when things are hard.

Jesus says “do not be terrified.” That doesn’t mean we won’t feel scared sometimes. It means we don’t have to live in fear. We can bring our fear to Him. We can pray, even if it’s just a simple, “Jesus, help me.” He hears us. And He reminds us that peace isn’t about everything being perfect. It’s about knowing that God is with us, and we are not alone.

Can faith really help us find peace? Yes. Faith helps us see beyond the fear. It helps us remember that God is bigger than our problems. It helps us trust that He is working, even when we don’t see it. That trust doesn’t always come easily, but it grows when we keep turning to Him, little by little.

Think about someone in your life who helps you feel safe or calm. Maybe it’s a parent, a friend, a teacher, or a youth leader. Why do they give you peace? Usually, it’s because they listen, they care, and they stay with you. Jesus does all those things too. He listens. He cares. And He never leaves.

Jesus never promised a perfect life. But He promised to walk with us through every storm. He tells us not to give up, even when it’s hard. He invites us to stay close to Him and trust Him one day at a time. That’s how we start finding peace—by keeping our eyes on Jesus, even when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

Let’s talk about that together. Let’s be honest about what’s hard. And let’s help each other remember that peace is possible, even in chaos, when we walk with Jesus.

Small group time is a chance for youth to share more personally and hear from each other. As the facilitator, remind them that this is a safe space. No one has to share if they don’t want to. Encourage listening without judgment. Let silence happen if needed. The goal is not to have perfect answers, but to open hearts and help each other start finding peace in Christ.

• What is something that makes you feel stressed, scared, or overwhelmed?
• When the world feels chaotic, what helps you feel calm?
• Have you ever felt God’s peace in a hard situation? What happened?
• What do you usually do when life feels out of control?
• Who in your life helps you feel safe or supported?
• Do you think it’s really possible to find peace through faith? Why or why not?
• What do you think Jesus means when He says, “Do not be terrified”?
• How can we help each other find peace when someone is struggling?
• What would it look like to stay close to Jesus in a hard time?
• Is there something you want to ask God for right now to help you find peace?

This week, try to take one step toward finding peace in your everyday life. When things feel stressful or out of control, pause and take a moment to invite Jesus into it. You don’t have to say a long prayer. Just say something simple like, “Jesus, be with me right now.” That small moment can help you stay calm and remember you’re not alone.

You can also try turning down the noise a little. Put your phone away for a few minutes each day and sit quietly with God. Or write down one thing that’s been stressing you out, and then pray over it. Ask God to help you trust Him with it. Even one small step like that can help you start finding peace.

Let’s take a moment to quiet our hearts. You can close your eyes if that helps. Take a deep breath. We’re going to talk to God together.

God, sometimes life feels confusing and loud. There are things that scare us. Things we don’t understand. Things that make us feel like everything is out of control. But right now, we stop and remember that You are with us. You see us. You know what we’re going through. And You care.

Jesus, You told us not to be afraid. You told us to trust You, even when things feel shaky. Help us do that. When we feel nervous or stressed this week, help us turn to You. Remind us that we’re not alone. Teach us to listen for Your voice and to find peace in You.

Holy Spirit, give us calm minds and strong hearts. Help us encourage each other. Help us be people of peace in our homes, our schools, and our world.

Thank You, God, for staying close. We give You our worries. We trust You with our fears. Stay with us this week and always.

Amen.

Themes

• Trusting in Jesus: Jesus tells us not to be afraid. He stays with us when life is hard. We can trust Him even when things don’t make sense.
• Staying calm in chaos: The world can feel scary, but God is not gone. He is with us in the middle of the mess. Prayer helps us stay calm and focused.
• Enduring with faith: Jesus says to hold on and keep going. He promises that our faith will lead us to life. We don’t give up, even when things are tough.
• Speaking the truth: Jesus says we will have chances to speak for Him. Even if people don’t listen, we tell the truth with love. He gives us the words we need.
• God’s peace is real: Peace doesn’t mean life is perfect. It means we are safe in God’s hands. He gives peace that the world can’t offer.
• Jesus knows our fears: He talks about wars and disasters because He knows we worry. He understands what we feel. And He tells us to trust Him anyway.
• The Church stands firm: The Church has faced many storms. It stays strong because Jesus is the foundation. We are part of that Church and share in that strength.
• The power of prayer: When life is out of control, we turn to prayer. It connects us to God and gives peace. We don’t need fancy words—just honest hearts.
• Being a witness: Others watch how we respond to hard times. When we choose peace and kindness, we show God’s love. That can change lives.
• God never leaves us: No matter what happens, God stays with us. He cares about every part of our lives. His love does not fail.
• Holding on to hope: The world may feel dark, but God is light. We remember that His plan is good. Hope gives us strength to move forward.

Background Material

This lesson, Finding Peace in Chaos, helps young people understand how the Catholic faith speaks to fear, anxiety, and hard times. Life can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially for teens. They hear about wars, violence, disasters, and problems in the world and in their own lives. In Luke 21:5-19, Jesus talks about these kinds of things. He describes the destruction of the temple, natural disasters, and persecution. But then He says, “Do not be terrified” (Luke 21:9). He tells His followers to stay strong and trust in Him.

This connects with a deep truth in the Catholic faith. God does not promise us an easy life, but He promises to be with us. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “By his passion and death on the cross, Christ has given a new meaning to suffering: it can henceforth configure us to him and unite us with his redemptive Passion” (CCC 1505). That means we are not alone in suffering. Jesus understands our pain. He suffered too. And He stays close to us when life is hard.

Jesus offers peace, but not the kind the world gives. The peace Jesus gives does not depend on perfect conditions. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” That is the kind of peace this lesson helps young people discover. They learn to turn to Jesus in prayer, trust Him in hard times, and find calm in His presence.

The saints also show us how to live with peace in chaos. St. John Paul II often said, “Be not afraid.” He knew that real peace comes from knowing Christ. St. Thérèse of Lisieux found peace in trusting God with simple faith. St. Maximilian Kolbe stayed peaceful even in a prison camp. Their lives remind us that peace is possible—even when things go wrong.

This lesson helps youth grow in their relationship with Jesus. It also helps them see that their faith is not just for church or religion class. It’s something that can help them right now, when they’re stressed, scared, or unsure about the future. The Church calls us to trust in God’s love and live with hope. That’s how we begin finding peace.

This fits with what the Church teaches about Christian hope. The Catechism says, “Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessing and the beatific vision of God; it is also the fear of offending God’s love and of incurring punishment” (CCC 2090). Hope gives us strength. It reminds us that God is in control, even when life feels out of control.

This lesson invites young people to discover that peace is not just an idea. It is a gift from Jesus. He offers it to every person who follows Him. And He invites us to carry that peace into a world that needs it.

Music Suggestions

• Stand By Me by Tom Kendzia
• Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
• Everlasting God by Chris Tomlin

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Looking for more ways to connect with your youth group? Visit our page on youth ministry lesson plans and reflections. We offer many free lessons that help teens grow in faith and face real-life issues with courage and hope.

Each lesson is made for youth ministers, catechists, and teachers. The topics are easy to understand and ready to use. From dealing with stress to living out the Gospel, you’ll find something for every group. Check it out here: Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections