The current world situation is unprecedented for our generation. Illness, unemployment, and economic struggle fill the news. Every day, the stories about the impact of COVID-19 only seem to get worse. It’s so easy for us to succumb to fear and worry. Where is the peace Jesus promised?
Ironically, on the night Jesus was betrayed and arrested, He spoke these words:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid… I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 14:27, 16:33
So, where is the peace Jesus promised?
The world would define “peace” as the absence of war, strife, and disagreement and the presence of harmony, order, and security. But I don’t see much of this kind of “peace” in the world today. And we won’t until Jesus returns.
Thankfully, the peace Jesus gives doesn’t depend on the state of the world. Even in the midst of war, we can be at peace. We can be free from worry and fear. We can be content in every physical situation and circumstance. This is the peace Jesus gives.
God’s peace is always available to His children no matter what is going on in the world around us. All we have to do is reach out and receive it. But how?
4 Steps to Embrace God’s Peace
In his letter to the Christians in Philippi (Philippians 4:6-13), the apostle Paul shows us how to live in the peace Jesus offers, no matter the circumstances.
- Pray about Everything – Worried, anxious, or concerned about a need or situation? Pray about it. Prayer focuses our hearts and minds on the goodness and faithfulness of God. Prayer pushes out worry (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Practice Gratitude – We humans tend to allow the negative and difficult things in our lives to rise to the top. We forget God’s abundant blessings and His activity in and around our lives. Purposefully focusing on what God has done for us in the past helps us rely on His future provision (Philippians 4:6)
- Guard your Thoughts – All throughout the day, our minds are bombarded with negativity, gossip, dissension, selfishness, and even smut. This will rule our thoughts and shape our attitudes unless we discipline ourselves to fill our minds with things that are “excellent and praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8-9).
- Rely on God’s Strength – Our culture fosters discontentment. It seems no matter how much we have we want more. The problem is not the amount of our stuff but instead the amount of our desire. No matter how much or how little we have we can find the peace of contentment when we lean on God for strength (Philippians 4:12-13).
Do you struggle with fear, worry, or anxiety? Do you believe you can experience the peace of Jesus in today’s world?
You might like these related posts:
- 3 Reasons to Thank God when you don’t feel Blessed
- What are you feeding your mind?
- 5 Reasons Real Prayer is Hard
So nice to read Kathy and so true.
Thank you so much.
I am so much blessed and encouraged Kathy. I now have peace in my heart. Tomoro is home church and this is what i will share with my family. Be blessed abundantly