Steadfast Peace

            Sometimes, life can really stress you out. 

            Maybe tomorrow seems uncertain or a person in your family is sick or some circumstance has you worried. Whatever is going on, the fact is that we all have troubles, even Jesus agreed with that (John 16:33). But when we face these troubles, we have a choice about how we’re going to react and who we’re going to trust. 

            Many times when I face uncertainties or stressful circumstances, I first try to figure out a solution on my own or I pray and then instead of relying on God for the answer, I rack my brain for the much needed wisdom. The problem with that way of fixing a problem is that I’m not equipped to figure things out on my own—I need a Savior. 

            When I realize that I am not fully equipped, my mind starts churning and most nights, I have trouble sleeping. My life is chaotic—the opposite of peaceful. 

            The truth is that when we don’t rely on Jesus, we will stumble and our lives will be full of chaos and uneasiness, but life doesn’t have to be this way; we can have peace. 

            Isaiah 26:3 declares that God “will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in [God]” (NIV). The key to having peace is trusting in God. When storms arise, remind yourself of the truth: God provides (1 Timothy 6:17), we are loved (John 3:16), He is our refuge and shield (Psalm 119:114), we will never be alone (Hebrews 13:5), and He is our strength (Philippians 4:13). Those truths are just a few of the promises God has given us that we can trust God for. I challenge you to mine through God’s Word for yourself and discover that numerable promises God has for us. 

            When we trust in the Lord, He gives us peace, even that is a promise. One of my favorite passages is Isaiah 40:30-31, which reminds us that “even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

            Today, whatever you’re facing, trust our faithful God. Even if you have to say His name over and over or repeat biblical truths in your mind until you remember to trust Him, do so because we desperately need Him.

He is the only one who can give you peace. 

Living Life Together, 

Rebecca Thomas