Where’s the Peace You Need?
Where’s the peace you need?
All three of my kids are marrying in the first six months of 2022. This year.
Yes, you read that correctly. One has already married. One will marry this Saturday and the youngest’s date is in the summer.
I don’t have to tell you that these weddings, in addition to the demands of writing a new women’s Bible study, speaking plus everyday life, are a lot! And while my family is blessed to have our stress be mostly positive stress, it is stress all the same.
In the past, control has been my go-to relief for anxiousness in times like these. But this time, I am looking to God’s Word for the help I need.
One morning recently, I read my Bible, figuratively sitting with the Apostle Paul. He spoke to me about how to thrive in this beautiful season.
It’s like he was there, coffee in hand, sitting on the couch across from me, saying: “Listen, Lynn. ‘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, NIV)
Paul’s Advice When Under Stress
I could hear the Lord, through Paul’s words, telling me not to fret or worry. He challenged me, concerning each time my mind went to another detail. I should pray first. Let God know (as if He doesn’t already) that I need His help for it all to come together.
Paul’s Holy Spirit-inspired guidance is helping to settle down my spirit. We can know as we reach for Jesus instead of control, He will help us to receive His peace, which we so desperately need.
Paul has every right to tell you and me how to do this. He lived it. His experiences were not joyous. He wasn’t experiencing weddings, gaining new family members, or exciting work projects using his talents. No, he experienced prison, shipwrecks, snake bites, and stoning. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) We can trust Paul when he says we can let God know our concerns while praising Him at the same time.
Paul says that when we choose to pray and praise instead of worrying, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, ESV).
Start Praying
So I’ll pray with gratitude on my lips. I’ll take the peace Jesus gives as I trust Him to work out every little detail (and the big ones too!) As I do, I am seeing this practice of prayer not as a one-time or one-day thing. It is an every-time, everyday thing: I am choosing each day to walk with Him, whatever each day holds.
Won’t you try this practice today too? Maybe try a breath prayer when overwhelm tries to take over. Breath in for 4 seconds, simply saying His name: Jesus. Breath out for 4 seconds, asking for His help: I need You. Continue with this prayer until you sense His presence and your heart feels His peace.
Jesus, thank You for Your peace that is available to me in every type of situation in my life. I am thankful! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
There are many women in the Bible who also needed to find God’s peace in the situations surrounding their lives! Learn more about these amazing women in Make Your Move: Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures.
Looking for more from Paul on Peace:
Philippians 4:7-9, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (NIV)
What specific situation do you need to give to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving today? Let us know in the comments below!
Thank you, Lynn! God used you today☺️
I am grateful! Be encouraged, Lauren. He can help us through all. the. things. I’m seeing it first hand!
Thank you, Lynn! This spoke to me! Trying to make a big “work decision”. Life is busy (thankfully). Hence, so much whirling around in my head. I want to hear the Holy Spirit and have God’s peace about it; the stance of joy and gratitude, in the process!
Lord, I ask You according to James 1:5 to provide the wisdom Susan needs! “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Amen and amen!