I don’t consider myself an overly anxious or fearful person, but this world can easily sweep me into frenzy if I allow it.
When the evil and sin are put in the spotlight, it’s hard to see past it into the light of God. We tend to dwell in the hard stuff and have a difficult time remembering how much bigger our God is.
We don’t need to fear or feel weary of the brokenness in the world. We have peace that overcomes and overshadows all of it.
It’s the peace of God, and it’s our greatest resting place in this life.
Need for Peace
Our world is broken and most definitely imperfect. Just turn on the news and you’ll see that loud and clear.
People are hurting and hungry for something more in their lives. It’s not just the homeless, poverty-stricken, physically harmed or “bad” people either.
It’s all of us.
Before any of us choose to follow God, we are “homeless” and in need of an eternal home. Our faith is at times very “poor” and needs work and investment to make it grow. And let’s face it, we’re all sinful people, in need of a perfect Savior.
We all have a need for peace and comfort in this messy, chaotic world. Luckily for us, we receive that when we put our faith and trust in the Lord.
“Even though I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.” -Psalm 23:4
He is our safe place and our one steadfast rock that never moves or changes.
A Different Kind of Peace
Peace seems like an unattainable and far-reaching concept in our world today. There’s so much going on and the darkness sadly gets center stage all too often. It’s hard to believe in the concept of peace when all we see and hear is evilness, chaos and turmoil.
Our minds shift every time we allow the lies and works of Satan to enter in. We can’t see the light of God if we’re too consumed and caught up in the ugliness around us.
We have to remember we are set apart. We are loved. We are cared about deeply. We are known and accepted.
We are safe in the arms of our Creator.
“Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure dwellings.” -Psalm 140:1 CSB
God doesn’t promise ease and comfort in our lives, but he does promise to be faithful, steadfast and protective of our hearts. He gives us hope beyond any evilness or brokenness in this world.
When we put our faith in Him and His Word, we are surrendering our fears and anxieties. We’re giving up our need to figure things out or understand why things happen the way they do.
His peace and the hope we have in Him are far greater than anything else.
Let Go
What are you holding on to that keeps you from experiencing the peace of God?
I know for me, I often worry about the future and how things will all work out. My anxiety escalates when I worry about the health and safety of my husband and son. I also stress about work, parenting and balancing all aspects of my life.
When we start feeling overwhelmed and burdened by our own lives, I think we need to take a step back and really seek God. Open His Word and let Him speak to us. Pray and seek His guidance and support.
He gives it. Freely.
God is truly in control. He knows what we need and when we need it. Even when we can’t understand why things are happening the way they are, we have to learn to let go. Just let it go.
It’s not that we can escape our problems and completely dismiss their existence. We just have to learn to trust God more and let go of the worry, fear and anxiety our circumstances cause. All we have to do is ask and surrender it over, and He will fully lift it from our shoulders.
Our Resting Place
We all know what it’s like to be tired and feel our energy levels drain completely. Life can take it’s toll on us and leave us weary. It doesn’t even have to be something major or devastating. All the little day to day tasks and responsibilities can wear us down and make us yearn for a resting place.
The one fool-proof remedy is God. Always God. He’s the one place we can go to fully and completely recharge – mind, body and spirit.
“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” -Isaiah 40:31
God’s Word is a gift directly from Him and it’s our source of comfort and rest. When we come to it, seeking out the voice of God, we hear Him loud and clear. He gives us wisdom, encouragement and messages of hope and love across each page. It’s there we can take a pause and truly rest in His goodness and grace.
Perfect Peace
There’s only one true peace we can experience in this lifetime. It’s the kind of peace that can’t be fully explained and it goes above and beyond all understanding.
This is a peace that only comes from our loving Father.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:7 CSB
We all need peace. Each and every one of us. No matter what our circumstances are or stage of life we may be in, our hearts and minds need the peace of God.
When anxiety, worry and fear creep in and try to take center stage in our lives, we have to remember that we have a God who is bigger and more powerful. He can carry those emotions for us, and in return give us peace that surpasses all negativity and brokenness.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” -John 14:27 CSB
God gives us a clear mind and heart when we come to Him and lay our burdens down at His feet. He reminds us that He’s ultimately in control and has already conquered the world and everything (good, bad and in between) in it.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” -John 16:33 CSB
We must remember that the only way through this life and the messiness that comes along with it, is God. He is our peacemaker/peacekeeper and provides us with a comforting place of rest in His loving arms.
Reflect on these lyrics from the song “Peace” by Hillsong Young & Free.
“You are peace to a restless soul
Peace when my thoughts wage war
Peace to the anxious heart
That’s who You are, that’s who You are
You are peace when my fear takes hold
Peace when I feel enclosed
Peace when I loose control
That’s who You are, that’s who You are”
Find comfort in the peace of God, brothers and sisters. It’s there and only there that we can experience life to the fullest and keep our eyes on what’s most important. It’s there we find our true resting place, away from this world.
Sonya
Brooke, thank you for reminding us that our peace is only found in Him! It’s so easy for us to get distracted by the world around us because it’s fear—mongering message is so loud. I love how you said, “God doesn’t promise ease and comfort in our lives, but he does promise to be faithful, steadfast and protective of our hearts.” It’s a great reminder that He is with us and He is for us—this world has nothing that can offer what He, The Prince of Peace offers.
groundsandgrace.com
I totally agree…the message of fear is always around us. I’m just so thankful we have a God that gives us hope and peace that’s bigger and better than anything in this world.
Thank you so much for reading my post and leaving a comment! 🙂