by Debbie McDaniel,
blogger for Crosswalk
This world can be a dark place many days. News reports of shootings, innocent lives being lost too soon, terrorist attacks, unrest, and struggle are constant reminders that we live in uncertain times. Past hurts cling tightly, our present reality filled with pressures, the future may seem to loom with fear. Many times we wonder, is finding peace in the midst of all this even possible?
One quote reminds us, “Peace. It doesn't mean to be in a
place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the
midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” Another says, "No God, no peace. Know
God, know peace." And both are
true.
Without knowing the perfect peace and calm assurance of God
Himself in this crazy, mixed up world, we will live forever struggling to gain
control, always finding ourselves in the inner battle with stress and anxiety.
Yet focusing on God’s words can bring life to our souls, no matter what swirls
around us on any given day. He is able to bring security, so we're not overcome
with fear, or find ourselves sinking down into a pit of worry. He's the Answer
to our place of refuge. We can never fully escape all the mess this world may
bring our way. We live in a world. But in the midst of what life deals us, we
can remain steadfast, strong. How?
Often, living a peace-filled life comes down to a choice. Choosing
to come to Him, choosing to set our minds on His Word, choosing to trust Him no
matter what, choosing to pray in all that we face, choosing not to be anxious,
choosing to believe that He's always with us and in control, choosing to set
our thoughts on those things that are true and right. God reminds us in His
word that peace will not naturally just come our way, He tells to “seek peace and pursue it,” Ps. 34:14.
Some may offer their own advice, “Get away for a few days, relax, be
happy, take a vacation, tune out, just don't think about stressful stuff.” But
it's only temporary relief in a crazy, struggling world. Vain attempts to cover
desperate places of our souls with superficial, external fixes. But the peace God offers is vastly different.
It's lasting. Confident. Real. Breathing deep reassurance in the midst of all
that we face – past, present, or future. Rising up against the fear that would
seek to choke our lives. Bringing comfort and freedom.
God's words give strength, purpose, grace. They alone are
what can bring inner calm to a whirlwind of crazy.
Scripture to Claim:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
