“The world’s greatest desire is Peace.“ But is peace an elusive dream? Let me assure you that it is possible to find peace in spite of circumstances – if we follow God’s original plan.
How To Find Peace
Know The Author Of Peace
Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 New Living Translation
The peace that many self-proclaimed experts offer is pseudo-peace if that. It doesn’t last. While it may have elements of truth, it is a counterfeit in the long run.
First and foremost, finding peace in spite of circumstances requires that we know God personally. This is where the roadmap to peace begins.
God’s peace is through a relationship with Jesus and transcends all circumstances. If you need to know how to begin a relationship with Jesus, please call 1-888-NEED-HIM, or chat at www.chataboutjesus.com. Someone is waiting there to talk to you.
Develop A Sense Of Gratitude
It is so easy to focus on the negative, to focus on what we don’t have. This is an age-old snare that began at the beginning of time. With this mindset, it is impossible to have real peace.
God created the world around us to enrich our lives. He gave us other people to help us. He gave us skills and talents to make us unique. He gave us Jesus to save us from our sins and to give us fulfillment.
Finding peace in spite of circumstances requires that we are grateful for what we have.
Learn from Nature
One day when I was trimming bushes, my chickens were showing interest in what I was doing. As branches fell, they were eating the leaves. I sat down to observe. The chickens were like children in a candy store gobbling up the greenery.
I enjoyed watching my hens accept the gift that I had given to them. The thought came to me that this must be how God feels when I enjoy and express gratitude for the gifts that He gives to me. “If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children (or hens), how much more, then, will the Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.” Luke 11:13.
Nature parallels spiritual principles in many ways. That is why Jesus used nature and other familiar things to teach about the not so familiar topics of heaven, God’s love, sin, salvation, and our relationship with Him.
“His invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Romans 1:20
Find The Positive In Negatives
I will never forget when Miss Buffy, one of my special hens, was very ill. I knew she would not survive. I did all I could to help her be comfortable. This included stroking her feathers and letting her listen to my voice, things she had loved when she was well.
I sensed that soon it would be time to say, “good-bye”. As I entered her pen, gently lifted her into my lap, and let her hear my familiar voice, she looked into my eyes and then took her last breath.
At that moment I realized that when the time comes for me to go home to heaven, I will hear God’s familiar voice, as he lifts me into his presence. While I grieved the loss of my little hen, I was also able to find beauty at that moment.
Sometimes we will see the good in a negative event right away. Other times we will not. If we can not find the good in a situation, we need to trust that God will do exactly what He promises:
“For we know that all things work for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
See Yourself As God Sees you
All I ever wanted was for someone to cherish me, to adore me. Some of the people in my life let me down. I came to the conclusion that I was not lovable, that something was wrong with me. I was not seeing myself as God sees me.
The truth is that all people will let us down at one time or another because we are all human.
God has always cherished and adored me. If I had really understood that years ago, I would have saved myself some heartache later on down the road.
Claim God’s Promises
The Bible is full of promises from God our creator. They were given to us to help us face any situation we might find ourselves in.
I remember a song my mother used to sing that talks about God’s promises. It was written in 1902 by Annie Johnson Flint. You can listen to an updated version here– enjoy.
Below are some well known promises just waiting for you to claim.
- God will never leave us. Hebrews 13:5
- God’s plan for us is good. Jeremiah 29:11
- God gives His children good gifts. Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:13
- God will forgive our sins if we confess them to Him. I John 1:9
- God will make all things good that come into our lives. Romans 8:28
- God will change the ashes of our lives into something beautiful. Isaiah 61:3
This list is only a small sampling of the hundreds of promises in the Bible. Many in the Old Testament were in regard to the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus which paved the way to a relationship with God. Those promises have been fulfilled. With that kind of track record, you can be assured that God will keep all His other promises.
Finding Peace In Spite Of Circumstances
When we follow God’s original plan, we can find peace in spite of the circumstances. Are you ready? Peace is just around the corner.
I would like to give you the scripture card below to help remind you that real peace comes from Jesus, the author of peace.
Simply click on the picture to download it. No email required.
When printed on card stock in smaller sizes it can easily be laminated and hung with ribbon or twine.
If you are looking for further scripture cards or coloring pages, see the resource page. You will also find journal pages, as well as book and music recommendations.