How to Keep Your Peace Even in Stressful Times
Photo by Christiana Rivers
Right now things are hard all over the world, but that doesn’t mean we have to worry. We follow the Prince of Peace, and everything that belongs to Him, we get to have. In His parable about the prodigal son, Jesus said, “All that is mine is yours” (Luke 15:31 NASB). That includes His incredible peace.
In Jesus, we get to access a level of peace that the world doesn’t understand. This peace is available for anyone who seeks Him and follows His ways.
Here are a few amazing verses that are true for you in this season. Meditate on these divine ideas, and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart through them.
The Results of Keeping Your Eyes on God
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Ps. 16:8 NIV)
What does Psalm 16:8 say about the Lord and what we can expect from Him? Here are a few ideas:
In times of fear, we can give the Lord our full attention. He won’t drop the ball or forget to help us.
Instead of staring at our fears, we get to stare at our hope: God, who is good.
We aren’t alone. God is here with us.
Nothing can defeat us when our eyes are on God.
You Don’t Have to Be Afraid of Bad News
Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands…
They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. (Ps. 112:1, 7 NLT)
What does Psalm 112:1, 7 say about the Lord and what we can expect from Him? Here are a few ideas:
The fear of the Lord (which can be described as deeply valuing Him, His input, His thoughts and words) produces joy in our lives.
Because of God, we don’t have to live in fear. We don’t have to live with shaking and trembling in our thoughts, expecting the worst.
We can confidently trust the Lord to take care of us in all things.
You Are a Testimony of God’s Faithfulness!
I have become a marvel to many,
For You are my strong refuge. (Ps. 71:7 NASB)
What does Psalm 71:7 say about the Lord and what we can expect from Him? Here are a few ideas:
God is VERY good at being our refuge.
Many people will see our trust in the Lord, and they will marvel.
When we trust the Lord, it impacts other people’s lives.
The Peace of Jesus That’s Available to YOU
I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous! (John 14:27 TPT)
What does John 14:27 say about the Lord and what we can expect from Him? Here are a few ideas:
The peace of God is greater than the “peace” found in the world.
His peace is perfect—without holes, weak places, or blemishes.
We don’t have to live with a knot of anxiety in our hearts.
Because of Jesus, it is possible to say “no” to fear and start to live differently.
How to Pray About Your Worries and Fears
Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6–7 NASB)
What does this verse say about the Lord and what we can expect from Him? Here are a few ideas:
We don’t need to be anxious for anything. We get to trust God instead.
We can give God all our concerns, worries, issues, and potential freak-outs.
As we trust the Lord, His peace steps in to guard our hearts and minds.
Whenever something tries to make us anxious, we get to say “no” and stay in the Lord’s peace.
A Practical Guide to Growing in Peace
What is trying to steal your peace? Set aside some time this week, practice focusing on the Lord, and take the following steps:
Choose a Bible verse that means something to your heart.
Ask the Holy Spirit how that verse applies to the thing you’re worried about.
Write down everything you sense He says to you.
Turn what He says into a prayer over your life. Here’s an example: “God, You say I’m brave and not cowardly, and I believe You. That’s what I am—I am brave. I am courageous. I’m going to live according to what You say I am.”
You are precious to the Lord, child of God. You matter to Him, and your dreams matter to Him. Take a deep breath, blow out worry and anxiety, and listen for what HE’S saying instead.
Do you long for more of the presence of God in your life? Check out some of our other prayers and declarations:
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