When life is hard. When it hurts. When anxious thoughts rule your mind, your heart longs for peace.
Growing up my father had a philosophy when life became hectic. “There will never be any peace until I’m laid to rest.” As a child, I assumed he was joking. Now that I’m an adult, I’m not so sure. Life is hard. Many emotions rule my heart and mind other than tranquility. Like my dad, peace is usually the emotion I sense less when life turns tipsy topsy. This is not God’s plan.
Peace is God’s will. It is not something that should come and go or only be present at certain times. No, peace should govern our lives. Isn’t peace what we all want? Of course, it is. Peace is a state of tranquility or quiet amidst anxious thoughts and emotions. It speaks of freedom. Yes, that’s what we want-sweet freedom. When the things of life haunt us—that stack of bills, new tires for the car, anxious feelings of inadequacy—don’t we long for peace. Good news: We can have that kind of peace. Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
Jesus is not talking about the kind of peace we feel when a debt is finally paid. That’s relief. It’s not the kind of peace we experience when we can purchase that big house we’ve always wanted. That’s gratification. The peace Christ gives is satisfying. It’s peace of mind, heart, body, and soul. It’s contentment that no matter what happens, you are in the care of the Almighty.
Sadly, it’s my nature to try and obtain peace by my own efforts. Perhaps you’re like me. We try to persuade God with promises. We even attend church more often than usual. We think: If I follow all the rules and do the things that please God most, then maybe I’ll find some peace. The long and short of it is we’re working at peace instead of resting in it. This reveals one thing—our trust is in self instead of in God.
The Bible has something to say about putting our trust in someone other than God.
“He who trusts in himself is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26.) If we are not actively seeking God’s help when we’re afraid or facing trouble, we are probably putting our trust in our own resources and abilities. Therefore, Isaiah warns, “stop putting your trust in mere humans” (Isaiah 2:22). Doing so only leaves us disappointed and defeated.
In times of doubt and fear, let peace rule. Resting in God’s promises give us the hope we need to stay focused on Him and His faithfulness, instead of on our circumstances. One way we can be certain that we’ve really placed our trust in God is when we experience an indescribable peace. Let this promise from the Lord reassure you today, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3)
This article was taken from my book, An Untroubled Heart: Finding a Faith Stronger Than All My Fear. If it encouraged you, why not read the whole book? Get your FREE ebook TODAY only! Click here
Hey, Micca—
I hoped to snag the e-book, but I’m not clear on the link (which goes to a post). Am I missing something? (Not beyond the realm of possibility!)
Hope I can read it before the offer is over. You’ve really encouraged me. 🙂
~Jennifer
I was encouraged to visit your webpage after reading “Keeping Your JOY”
(through a Women of Faith article)
I read some testimonials, and all I can say is that the timeliness of the article and the simple message of trusting God through our earthly sorrow is not only inspiring but completely Spirit-led!
🙂
Thank You, and Glory be to JesusChrist, our Lord and Savior!
It’s coming up as a charge of $9.99. The bit posted has encouraged me but I’ll have to wait for a while to be able to order the book.