Are you longing to experience some peace today? If you’re feeling like me, the answer would be a resounding “YES!”
Do your days start out peaceful or do you hit the ground running, not able to catch your breath, feeling like you’re already behind schedule?
I use to feel that way all the time but now that my kids are older, my morning routine isn’t quiet as crazy. But let me assure you, even if my day starts out peaceful, it doesn’t always stays peaceful.
It seems like somehow, something or someone will inevitably bump into my “peace bubble” which shifts my happy-smiley attitude into an unhappy-frowning attitude. My peace deflates leaving me frustrated and discouraged. Does that ever happen to you?
What do you do when your peace has been taken away and how do you get it back?
Just yesterday I received some news that sent me into major panic mode. A letter from my insurance provider informed me that our family’s insurance rate would be doubling in price, beginning January 1, 2014. Doubling?!?!? We can barely afford the high monthly premiums now.
It’s amazing how a few simple words on a little piece of paper can have such an profound effect on a person…okay, that person would be me.
I immediately ran upstairs and told my husband, which got him all cranked up. Then I posted a comment on Facebook (like that was going to help the situation) and got my friends all worked up too. It was as if I was tattling on my insurance company and trying to get everyone to side with me.
Did any of my actions change my circumstances? No, in fact it only made things worse. The more I focused on my new little problem the faster my peace diminished. And just like that, it completely gone and oh, how I wanted peace back in the worst way.
Maybe you woke up this morning and felt as peaceful as a floating feather. Or, maybe you woke up and peace was nowhere to be found.
Are your current circumstances making your heart heavy and your mind filled with worrisome thoughts? Maybe you got a letter in the mail too or a phone call from someone that has taken your peace and replaced it with fear, doubt, and worry-filled thoughts.
Has someone or something popped your peace bubble, leaving your emotions deflated and feeling discouraged? If so, I want to bring you a little hope and encouragement. I want you to experience peace, even in the midst of your tough circumstances. Peace that will bring back your joy so that you can be aware of the blessings God has in store for you today.
I need that kind of peace – not just today but every day.
Here’s the thing…this type of peace won’t come from a Starbucks latte, a large order of french fries, or a quick shopping spree at Target. Although those things can be fun and even thrilling at times, they only bring temporary happiness or what I call “mini-highs”. Trust me…I’ve been there, done that…many of times and it doesn’t work. These “temporary fixes” only shift our focus for a while but then lead us right back where we started – lacking peace. Oh, somebody better say, “Amen” to that!
Are you ready for some peace?
Here are 3 promises about peace that we can claim for ourselves
1. Peace is a gift that God gives us and never takes away. Only the world can steal our peace IF we let that happen. Maintaining peace is a choice we get to make, regardless of our circumstances.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 (ESV)
2. We can quickly regain our peace by praying to God. Instead of going to our spouse, friends or social media, we should first go to God and tell Him what is robbing us of peace. When we choose to thank Him – in the midst of our tough circumstances – He promises to place a guard around our heavy hearts and worried minds, filling us up with His unending supply of peace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
3. When we trust God with our circumstances and keep our eyes focused on Him, we will experience perfect lasting peace.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 ESV
I feel encouraged already and I hope you do too! Knowing that peace is a gift from God which is always available to us – regardless of our circumstances – gives us the hope and assurance we need. So when life gets crazy – and you know it will – let’s not waste any time but instead go straight to Jesus. Let’s be honest and tell Him why are longing for peace and receive the unending supply He has waiting for us.
Now it’s your turn…
Today’s Question:
Do you have peace today? Which one of the promises listed above mean the most to you and why?
Photo Credit: Ben Heine via Compfight cc
Vicki Hampton says
Thank you for sharing these peaceful words with us. Peace is my goal word in 2014 … My peace bubble gets popped so often & I need to keep my mind & heart right with these verses!
Teresa R says
God’s gift of peace means alot to me, because it it not based on me. It is His gift. freely given, not for anything I’ve done or something I’ve failed to do. His peace IS mine . . . period
Leah D. says
Teresa, thank you for sharing such great insight about peace. I agree, God’s peace is available to all of us. Sweet Blessings, sister! Leah