Peace in a Troubled World

“I’m so used to being tense that when I’m calm, I get nervous.” – anonymous

There was a time in my life that statement defined me. While I talked about peace and longed for peace, peace eluded me.

Yet, peace is the inheritance of every child of God. Jesus Himself willed it to us before He went to the cross. It’s right there in the fourteenth chapter of John.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27, KJV).

I can remember quoting that verse to myself so many times without grasping the truth that it holds.

Now, I see that so many of God’s children struggle with all the things that are in direct

opposition to peace - anxiety, stress, worry, unease, turmoil – denying the very inheritance left to us by our Savior. I’m not pointing fingers. I spent too much of my life in the same situation.

What’s the solution? I found it in that very verse, and it is an act of my will. Three small letters spell out the word “let”, and it is attached to the word “not”. The word “let” means allow, so in this instance it means don’t allow.

Jesus tells us to not allow our hearts to be troubled because He has given us His supernatural peace. We have only to accept it. He also tells us not to allow ourselves to live in fear.

That sounds good in theory, but can we actually accept God’s peace and allow it to rule our hearts. Not as long as we are depending on ourselves, but in His strength we can. We may have to reject the anxiety again and again for awhile until we break our habit of worry. We may have to learn to call on Him throughout the day and ask for Him to calm our hearts, but He has promised us His peace. He always keeps His promises.

There’s another verse that we often quote.

 “Be careful for (anxious about) nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, KJV).

In our flesh, we claim we cannot stop worrying, but in Christ we are a new creation. He has given us His peace. Worry cannot live in the same heart with thanksgiving. That was part of the message Paul was relaying in these verses. We are to carry our worries to God with thanksgiving for His care. We are then to accept His peace, which will keep our hearts and minds. There is a reason that Paul instructed us to give thanks in every situation (I Thessalonians 5:18) and to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV), or to always be in an attitude of prayer.

I find it interesting how often God’s peace is associated with thankfulness. Worry simply cannot thrive in a grateful heart. Thankfulness looks to God, while worry focuses on the circumstances that surround us. Colossians 3:15 says

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Again, we see that word “let”, which implies an action on our part. God’s peace must be allowed into our hearts. While that verse is in the context of peace within the body of Christ, the Church, it also applies to having peace over the anxieties and stresses of daily life. When God’s peace rules in our hearts, we can be at peace with others.

Anxiety and stress are at an all-time high in our world today. The fast pace of life combined with the troubles that surround on every side are more than we can handle alone. We need the strength and wisdom of God, and we need His peace to survive.

If you know Him as Savior, He has already given you His peace. You just need to accept it and allow it to rule in your heart. Try giving Him your care and thanking Him today. He is more than able to bear all your care for you.

If you don’t know Him, today is a good day to ask Jesus to save you. He is always ready to hear your prayer.

Father, thank You for sending Jesus. Thank You for giving us Your peace that surpasses the trouble in this world. You didn’t promise to remove the trouble, but You did promise peace in the middle of the trouble. I know that promise is true. Grant peace to those who are struggling today. Help them release their cares to You. In Jesus’ name I pray.

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Heart Check

·       What burdens are you carrying that you have not given to God?

·       How can you allow God’s peace to rule in your heart?

·       What can you thank God for right now?

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Something to think about:

“Worry drives us to sin. Concern drives us to prayer.” - anonymous