Are you troubled when peace seems lost? Peace in turmoil. When the adversary of the soul troubles my life, where will I go? When sleep eludes me and the night seems long, where would I go? If the cluttered thoughts refuse to quiet in my mind, where would I go? But to the Lord. To mediate on his promises.
When the wicked advance against me to devour me, and it is my enemies and my foes who stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war breaks out against me, even then I will be confident. (Psalm 27:2-3)
One thing
What’s the one thing to think about when the wait seems lengthy, and you’ve prayed long enough? We don’t ask the Lord for a favour, instead we complain, grumble, and rant about unanswered prayer. We try to find peace by our own methods such as exercise, eating right, meditation or escape by reading a good book. These are good things, but what else would pacify our soul? There are many healthy ways to rest and relax, but trusting God as the peace giver never fails.
Much of David’s psalms are written in times of distress and chaos, so he pours his life into writing his authentic thoughts and feelings as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Though he was a man after God’s heart, he was a flawed human being who wasn’t afraid to share his raw emotions.
What if we could spill our worries, fears and conflicts to another person who would listen and understand? Had they walked in our shoes? But trusting God, who loves unconditionally and longs to connect with us. He listens without judgment.
Finding peace
There are hundreds of articles written about peace, and how to attain it, but one that brings comfort is the Word of God. If there ever was a time to seek after peace, it’s now. The world’s conflicts, wars, both physical and psychological, and political, are at an all-time high.
One thing about peace. It’s the opposite of fear. Living well, even in conflict and having peace in the battle, is not easy. Even if life is not going as expected, and trouble surrounds you, you can live in peace. We can identify the causes that destroy our peace at any moment and analyze how to remain in peace, but the only one who can give perfect inner peace is Jesus. It’s what Jesus left us when he ascended into heaven.
I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Trusting God is difficult in times of distress when facing some serious decisions, and the answer seems to delay. The ceasefire in the Israel/Hamas war provided enough time to get some hostages out of Gaza, but will it last long enough to help the situation? A pause in the physical fighting seems to work, but it can’t bring lasting peace in the Middle East until the Prince of Peace comes. As Christians, we believe God’s peace brings hope for lasting peace.
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)
Just like the temporary ceasefire, we know if we remember the words of Jesus, we can experience peace in any conflict of the soul. During a peaceful time, we can ask the Lord for the one thing. David asks the Lord to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life, to gaze at the beauty of his holiness.
When conflict and insecurity pressures on all sides, we can do like David did—dwell in the secret place hidden from the onslaught of the devil’s tactics where fear disappears. And we wonder where the turmoil went. Then we’re at peace with ourselves even amid unsolved problems and gratitude fills our heart. Read more about gratitude here.
Unanswered prayer robs our peace until we experience God’s presence and find reason to be thankful. It’s in the wait that we grow stronger.
Exercise for peace
Here’s a little exercise for a peaceful start for the day. Try it for seven days or more.
Before your morning coffee or with coffee and before you pick up your phone, read a devotion or a scripture, mediate and pray. Only after that your mind can focus on your to-do list if you have one. Reading emails or scrolling on social media can trigger your mind in a million other directions, and before you realize it, you’ve missed your quiet time. Don’t let that happen too often.
In conclusion, peace of mind is possible, but true peace comes from God. If you haven’t found this peace yet, ask Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. And believe he died for your sins and fears. He came to bring peace on earth.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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)
How do you find peace?
