“The world’s greatest desire is Peace.“ (1) This was a statement right after World War II ended. Indeed, people grow weary when the world is going crazy.
But even in less turbulent world conditions, eventually, hard times touch each of us.
- Times of crisis in family dynamics
- Uncertain times financially
- Tough times regarding our health
- Many other troubled times that you may have experienced.
All these circumstances have people longing for true inner peace.
But is peace an elusive dream?
Let me assure you that finding the peace of God during troubled times is possible – if we follow God’s plan.
How To Have Peace In Troubled Times
Where does peace come from? The book of Isaiah lists some of the names of Jesus which describe His very essence. One of those names is the “Prince of Peace”
Perfect peace is possible in the world today for all children of God.
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 counterfeit in the long run.
God’s peace is through a relationship with Christ Jesus, who is the Lord of Peace. It transcends all circumstances.
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts …” Colossians 3:15a ESV
If you don’t know Jesus, you probably have questions. The people at Chat About Jesus have answers. You can text, call, or chat with them online any time of the day or night.
Develop A Sense Of Gratitude
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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 true 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.
This must be how God feels also when I enjoy and express gratitude for the gifts that He gives to me.
“If you then, 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.” Matthew 7:11 NIV
Nature parallels spiritual principles in many ways. That is why Jesus used agriculture, birds, 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 ESV
Find Positive In The 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 always loved.
I sensed that soon it would be time to say, “goodbye”. As I entered her pen, I gently lifted her into my lap, and let her hear my familiar voice. She seemed to be waiting for me. Then she looked into my eyes and 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. If we can not find something positive in a situation, we need to trust that God will do exactly what He promises:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV
See Yourself As God Sees You
All I ever wanted was for someone to cherish and 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.(2) 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 help us face any situation we might find ourselves in.
Below are some well-known promises just waiting for you to memorize and use as part of your spiritual journey.
- 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.
A Prayer For Peace In Troubled Times
“Heavenly Father,
I know that you are the God of peace. Yet current events and troubling situations threaten to steal the great peace that you want me to have.
I thank You for Bible verses that tell me how to think, replacing my negative thoughts with the truth of Your words. (3)
How I thank you that in difficult seasons of my life you have promised to never leave me.
Guide me on my spiritual journey and cause the fruit of the spirit to increase in my life. (4)
Help me to remember Scripture quotations when bad days come. (5)
Help me to remember that your plans are good and your way is the best way.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
You can download this prayer here.
Wrapping Up How To Have Peace In Troubled Times
The only way to have a sense of peace in difficult times is when we follow God’s plan. 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. No email is required.
When printed on card stock in smaller sizes it can easily be laminated and hung with ribbon or twine.
The same paraphrase from John 14:27 is available also on a coloring page. It is also free.
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