How to stay at peace

I rolled over in the dark and looked at the clock. 3:30. I sighed. Likely I would lay there wide awake for a couple more hours, longing for sleep. Then, right on cue, my mind started down the grim track of the calamitous and terrifying state of world affairs...the political mess...family troubles…disappointments…memories of difficult times (why can’t those stay in the past?!)...

Familiar? I’m sure you’ve had your own troubled nights when you feel the dark weight of despair and fear grip your heart. Why are things always worse in the night? The new day doesn’t always bring improvement and it’s hard to shake off the cloud of gloom.

It tells us in the book of Daniel that in the end times the enemy will ‘wear out the saints’ (Daniel 7:25). Pretty well describes it, don’t you think? We get worn down from the battles, and long for clean, simple times of peace.

So what do we do? I’m reminded of David in the Bible. It tells us that when things were dark and dire, he ‘encouraged himself in the Lord’ (1 Samuel 30:6). Pretty amazing considering his whole army was ready to kill him and he needed an answer right now.

So in my quiet time this morning, I realized I had to take myself in hand and get back to what was true. Get myself refocused on the Lord and use the tools he’s given me to stay in his peace. 

Here’s what he reminded me:

to fear not 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

to trust Him

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)

to keep my mind focused on Him  

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

to rejoice

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 NLT)

to thank Him

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

to pray

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

to know that today will be filled with new mercies

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

If you’re struggling to find peace today, take these wonderful promises as God’s personal word to you. Encourage yourself in the Lord with them, and I think you’ll find fresh strength and a renewed perspective. It’s his promise!

Image by sun flower from Pixabay

New look, new vision

If there’s anything sure in life, change is one of them. Just when you think you have it figured out, it’s on to the next thing. Part of the adventure of living, isn’t it?

 

You may have noticed that my blog has taken on a new look—and a new focus. I’ve loved the message of God’s ‘still waters’ to me these last few years; it was much needed. I could picture that quiet, green retreat by a stream and refocus my heart on his peace. That was this blog’s focus.

 

But…time for a change!

When I really began following Jesus in my young adult years, I fell in love with his Word. There I found answers and wisdom I desperately needed to navigate the challenges before me. As each season unfolded—single life, the work world, relationships, marriage, motherhood, homeschooling, eldercare—I discovered how alive and practical the Bible was. The principles I read each day truly changed my life. What a gift he’s given us!

 

“Kingdom Keys” comes from a devotional book I’m writing for kids and parents to do together. Kingdom Keys for Kids introduces Bible truths about God and his Kingdom to build children’s lives on. My heart is especially to share with women who are seeking to grow in the Lord and know him better, whatever season they’re in. He gives us an amazing promise as we learn:

 

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.    

~ Joshua 1:8 NLT

 

Thank you for reading! I hope you’ll join in the conversation and come back again.