Introduction:
At this moment, would you say you feel peaceful? Maybe, but likely not. We are all constantly surrounded by reminders of just how restless, chaotic and frantic life is. Just turn on the news for a few minutes and you’ll see natural disasters, economic instability, health crises, and loss as a few examples. These are realities for many people, possibly yourself, and make it painfully clear that the things we often rely on – our jobs, our health, our relationships, can be utterly shaken or taken away in an instant.
Also, we all form part of a generation that’s lived through global pandemics, witnessed economic collapses, and seen natural disasters of unprecedented scale. Anxiety and fear have become almost normalized in our society. Most of us have simply become accustomed to a constant, subtle undercurrent of stress, perhaps a symptom of the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced modern life, somewhat unconsciously bracing for the next bit of bad news or disruption.
Do you know that there is an antidote, a cure, a remedy? There is a different way to live. There exists a true peace that surpasses all understanding, and you can experience it right now? It’s a deep peace so surreal, that it doesn’t make sense to us. It speaks to our soul, and we can’t even understand it. (Philippians 4:7)
Where does this Peace come from? It comes from God Himself, from His Holy Spirit. It comes from His unshakable Word, and the promises He’s made to us, that we can stand firm on, knowing that He doesn’t and will never change. These promises to us were true thousands of years ago, and they are just as true today.
God’s Promises:
- God promises that he is always with you: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” Hebrews 13:5. “Never”. Not when things are going badly, and not when things are going well. Not when life is hard, when you’re lonely or you’ve lost something dear. Not when you haven’t spent time with God, or gone to Church last week. God isn’t going anywhere. Even when you can’t see or feel Him, He’s always there with you. He loves you and cares for you and invites you into his arms.
See also:
Joshua 1:9
Isaiah 41:10 - God will always provide exactly what you need: How often do we worry about tomorrow? We all have our cares and worries, but God reminds us, “[He] will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19. It might not always look the way you expect, but God will provide for you – every single time. Another beautiful verse that often comes to mind is Matthew 6:26. It says: Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
See also:
Matthew 6:31
- God promises to protect you: Life can get pretty scary, there’s no doubt about it. Psalm 23 reminds us, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” He’s always there, guiding you, protecting you from wolves, traps and snares, and leading you to pastures of rest and restoration. One of Jesus’ many names is “The Great Shepherd”. Where do you need the Lord to guide you? Where do you need His protection? How can you allow him to restore you and care for you? Allow The Great Shepherd to lead and care for you.
See also:
Psalm 91:4
2 Thessalonians 3:3
- God promises to give us peace: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7.
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
See also:
John 14:27
How to Pursue Peace:
It’s one thing to talk about peace; it’s another to live it out. How can you let the Peace of God cover your life?
- Pray to Him: Every day, be alone with God. No distractions. Just you, Him, and His Word. Talk to Him, and listen. Let His promises sink in, and ask Him to fill you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
- Surrender Control: You can’t have peace and control at the same time. Trust God with the things you can’t handle. His timing is perfect, even when yours isn’t.
- Find Your Community: Don’t try and go through life alone. Surround yourself with people who support you in your walk with Chrsit, and remind you of God’s faithfulness to you.
- Journal: When life feels overwhelming, keep a journal of the ways God’s been good to you, how He has been with you, He has given you what you’ve needed at the right time, and How He has protected you. Ask His Spirit to bring you peace.
Action points:
- Support others – If someone is going through a hard time, you may wish to share this with them and remind them of the promises of God. You may be the person to support them, and draw alongside to comfort them.
- Reflect – Take a minute to reflect on the promises of God that you’re holding onto right now.
- Pray to God – If you’re not sure what to pray, I’ve included a prayer that you can read out below to help you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the midst of life’s uncertainties and challenges, I seek the peace that only You can provide. Your Word promises a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. I ask that You fill me with Your peace today. Quiet my anxious thoughts, calm my restless spirit, and help me to trust fully in Your unchanging promises. May Your peace reign in my heart, guiding me through every storm with the assurance that You are with me, You protect me, You guide me, always.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
