Country life is a peaceful life. Watching the wind sway through the many trees gives me peace. It’s relaxing to watch the birds foraging and building their nests. Sitting on our back deck there is calm looking out at the view of green rolling hills, budding trees, and sometimes wildlife in the distance. When the weather permits, you’ll find me here, taking in the peaceful external life.
But there are times I sit on that deck, in the quiet while taking in the beautiful landscape and my insides are anxious and flustered. Life is hard at times. The world is in turmoil. I try not to watch the news because of the heartache and devastation. I can easily get overwhelmed with grief and sadness. OK, enough about the sad.
Is having peace, despite the turmoil, even possible?
I say yes. Even though our world around us may be in disarray. I’ve experienced it in the worst circumstances and you can too. I can’t even explain it other than it’s a feeling of calm and assurance that everything will be OK.
God wants us to have peace and He provided a way to give it. He provided His son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We have peace with God when we accept His gift of salvation through His son Jesus.
“But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. Romans 6:23
“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. Romans 5:1
The next step is to grow in our faith, by reading the Bible and praying. Peace is one of the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. As we grow in our faith, the Holy Spirit produces these fruits, or characteristics, found in a Christian’s life. I don’t always have peace even though I’ve been a Christian for many years. And it’s usually when I haven’t been spending time with God. It’s so important to grow in our faith so we can experience all that God has for us.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:7 ESV
Some steps to having the peace that passes understanding:
- Shift focus to the Bible instead of the news. Meditate on specific verses that bring comfort and hang on to God’s promises.
- Pray. Especially when feeling anxious or fearful. Call a friend to pray with you.
- Listen to Christian music. One of my favorites: Perfect Peace by Laura Story
- Seek beyond understanding with humility and grace. Trust the Father.
If you use You Version, they have many devotionals that are very helpful.
For further reading:
What Does the Bible say about peace?
I pray these words have encouraged you. Please feel free to share with others that may need some hope and encouragement.
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Thank you for reading.
Yes,I have to say you can have peace in the midst of turmoil.
My husband passed away Jan.30 and then we went into this isolation, but I have been experiencing that peace that passeth all understanding! Reading Bible,listening to Max Lucado and doing a couple different video Bible studies(Jennifer Rothschild) have drawn me closer to God.????????✝️⚓️
Thank you for sharing Darlene. I’m very sorry for your loss and I praise God He has been near to you during this time. Max Lucado is one of my favorites and I’ve recently read a couple of Jennifer’s books. All so good and helpful. God Bless.
Barbara Ann
Enjoyed your blog as always Barbara. Yes, I know it is possible to have peace when things seem so upset down but that only comes by spending time with God, just as you mentioned. There are so many comforting verses but we cant just let them sit in the bible. We need to read them and place them in our hearts and speak them out too. Thank you for posting. I shared to my FB page in hope that my sister and niece will read. They are going thru a difficult circumstance and need peace desperately and do not have a relationship with Jesus.
Thank you for sharing and I will say a prayer for your family. I love how you said “we can’t just let them sit in the Bible”, Which is so true. God intended for us to do something with His words. Love you friend.
I love reading your up lifting and inspiring blogs. I have peace, but at times when the 3 Great Grands crying at once , I have to take a deep breath and know this too shall pass.
HIS word keeps me focus, but like most believers, I have to refocus during the day several times. HE wants us to have HIS peace and to fear not. Heaven is our eternal home so when we keep our eyes of HIM we can experience HIS peace.
Carol Ann, I’m sure those little ones keep you busy. Enjoy every moment, as I’m sure you are. And thank you for your support and love. Read, refocus, repeat. That’s what I do also. Stay well. 🙂