This is the fourth time I’ve changed the topic for this month. I started with something on New Year’s resolutions. Then moved to goals. Then moved to balance in four key areas of our lives. None of it got past one or two sentences. Then I heard a podcast from Pastor Jimmy Evans about “The Promise of Peace” and it really connected. Throughout my life I’ve wrestled with anxiety, worry, and wanting to control things. Maybe you have also had that same struggle? Anyway, his message was the inspiration for this post.

I was scrolling Twitter (X) a few days ago – and innocently just wanted to know what are the main news stories. The more I scrolled, the greater the anxiety rose up within me. A sample of the headlines:

The U.S. just paid over a trillion dollars in interest on their national debt. . .

War continues in the Middle East and Ukraine without a resolution on the horizon. Iran, North Korea, China, and several other countries are issuing threats and on the brink of joining. . .

New variants of diseases are being discovered. There are whispers of government mandates being considered regarding restrictions and possibly lockdowns . . .

Gives you a knot in your stomach, right??? Then we look at our own personal lives – illnesses, inflation, our children or grandchildren going through challenges, and family or friends hurting that we can’t help.

So how do we actively engage in a world that seems to be spinning more and more out of control every day? How do we not let the circumstances in our nation, world, and personal lives leave us feeling hopeless?

We can’t. It has to be a supernatural encounter and empowerment by the Living God. It starts in us – and then flows out of us to impact and help others. Let’s begin by looking at three negative effects of not having peace. Then we’ll look at three practical actions regarding how we can increase our peace:

1. Peace has to come from God, not everything going our way – The night before he was crucified, Jesus sat down and had a heart to heart discussion with his closest followers. He told them, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give (John 14:27).” It’s easy to feel peaceful when our bank accounts actually have some discretionary income, when we’re feeling our healthiest, and our children are currently “being good.” That’s what Jesus meant about the world giving peace – it’s temporary. He calls his peace a gift. A gift has to be received. This is a special gift that isn’t just a one time deal. He wants us to be in continual communication and prayer with him. “Please give me peace about this difficult conversation coming up. Please give me peace about the job interview rejections. Please give me peace about my child that is in rebellion towards everyone and everything”. And don’t forget, “Thank you for your peace.”
2. Anxiety is a choice – Ouch. That one hurts. This time, while speaking to a large crowd – Jesus injected into his message, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life . . . (Matthew 6:25).” The apostle Paul also echoes the same sentiment: “Do not be anxious about anything . . . (Philippians 4:6).” By the way – Paul was in prison when he wrote that sentence. Part of our awakening is realizing we have a choice in the matter. Sometimes we can’t control our first response when worrisome situations and circumstances present themselves: Co-workers getting laid off (am I next?), the car part needed costs several thousands of dollars plus labor (savings has $5 in it), noticing an unfamiliar pain that won’t go away (could it be something major?). What is great is that we can control our second response. Way back in the Old Testament – the prophet Isaiah gave a remarkable remedy for anxiety: “You (God) will keep him (us) in perfect peace as long as our minds are stayed on You (God).” So when anxiety and worry hit – let that be a signal to shift our thought life and “what might happen” to God. Praying, reading The Bible, talking to encouraging people, more praying, and listening to worship music – are all on the path to that perfect peace Isaiah wrote about.
3. Worry hurts our example to others. Worry, anxiety, and negativity are contagious. All three are so easy to come by. Many in the media (news, podcasts, social media) are predicting that 2024 will be a year of chaos: unprecedented natural disasters, World War III, civil uprisings, unspeakable corruption from our “leaders”, a new pandemic, a controversial election, another possible Great Depression – the list is endless and incredibly discouraging. What is desperately needed are people grounded in God’s power, grounded in His Word, and filled with His Spirit. What we say and do can also have a contagious effect on others. We can spread faith, hope, love, and positivity instead of gloom and doom. Paul writes in the book of Colossians what we already saw in point number one: “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace (Colossians 3:15).” According to this verse, peace can be a ruler inside of us – or lack of peace can be a court jester in our hearts. Yes, evil is at work. But so is God!

Here are some practical actions to increase peace:

1. Pray Bible verses – Do a Google topical search for scriptures about worry, anxiety, and lack of peace. One of my favorite apps that is free is called “Shut Up Devil!” – it features multiple topics and verses that directly counter attack what we are feeling and experiencing. Here is some ammo for peace:

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

In the day of trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me (Psalm 86:7).

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

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 (Philippians 4: 6-7).

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6).

Next time worry and anxiety rear their ugly heads – combat them with the above scriptures and many others until you experience the promised “peace that passes understanding.”

2. A Daily Sticky Note Prayer List – If you wake up feeling anxious or worried – here is a quick way to adjust your mindset. On a sticky note – jot down everything you are feeling angst about in that moment. After you finish writing everything down – go back to the top of the sticky note and write down “Prayer List.” Take a minute or two and offer up to God each item as a prayer. There you go – you are now ready to take on the day!

3. Pray Through the News Headlines – Here are examples based on the three headlines at the beginning of the post:

God, please give our government wisdom in how to spend our tax dollars. Please let them remember that they were elected or appointed to their positions to be servants of the people.

God, please bring peaceful solutions to all of the wars going on right now. Remove evil dictators from places of power. Protect the innocent.

God, we ask for your protection from any new diseases. We ask health, strong immune systems, and strength.

Conclusion – Even though it takes work – we can control our thoughts. We can replace anxiety and worry with a focus on God, prayer, and meditating on Bible verses. We can’t control others and world events – but we can influence them through prayer, active involvement, and combating evil. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers . . . (Matt 5:9).” There are peacemakers, and there are troublemakers – which one are you and I???

Blessings,

Dave 🙂

https://www.amazon.com/author/davidrische