Grace Fox
May 13, 2024
Inner peace is the rest that comes in knowing God’s deep love surrounds us and He holds us close to His heart no matter what happens.
Last week, I received several emails from readers who desperately needed inner peace. They wrote about dashed dreams, betrayal, homelessness, and the unexpected loss of loved ones. Each story moved me to ask God to manifest His presence to the senders, but I also asked Him to fill them with peace that passes human understanding.
What does inner peace amidst life’s turmoil look like?
Perhaps you’ve seen the picture of a little bird tucked in its nest behind a crashing waterfall while ominous clouds signal an incoming storm. The visual doesn’t depict our natural understanding of what peace looks like, but it does depict peace accurately.
Inner peace is the rest that comes in knowing God holds us close to His heart no matter what happens. When adverse circumstances surround us, we trust that the love of God around us is higher, wider, deeper, and stronger. Faith in His goodness overrides fear.
Jesus provides the peace we crave
We’ve all experienced inner peace when life’s gone well for us. Likewise, we’ve all experienced a longing for peace when things haven’t gone well.
A valued relationship takes an inexplicable turn.
A health crisis turns our normal upside down.
A sudden loss lands us on a lonely path.
A world gone mad leaves us wondering what the future holds.
In times like these, our human tendency to focus on the negative makes us feel anything but calm and serene, like the little bird tucked in its nest. We feel fragile and flustered, ruffled and restless.
Jesus knows our tendencies to worry and fear. That’s why He gave us a gift—the gift of peace. Mere hours before His arrest and crucifixion, He spoke these words to His disciples:
“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 NLT)
We might search for peace in material things, but we only end up buying stuff that can’t satisfy our soul. We might seek peace by working hard to please others and to receive their acceptance, but we only exhaust ourselves. We might hope to find peace by striving for perfection and control, but we only frustrate ourselves.
Jesus is the only source of true inner peace, and He offers it to those who love and trust Him.
* Open the gift of inner peace *
If a dear friend offers us a gift, we don’t reject it or stash it in the back of a closet. We accept it and open it so we can enjoy using it for its intended purpose.
Likewise, Jesus is our best friend and offers us the gift of peace, but we need to open it to experience it. So, how do we do that? Here are a few suggestions to help us experience the peace Jesus promised:
* Stop assuming the worst *
What thoughts come to mind when you’re waiting for a medical diagnosis, anticipating a difficult conversation with someone, or planning a significant change such as a relocation? Some folks might anticipate the best, but others assume the worst with thoughts like, I just know this isn’t going to go well.
Allowing our thoughts to dwell on the negative is a sure-fire way to destroy our peace. Let’s camp our thoughts on all things good, like the goodness of God and His unfailing love for us. Let’s live from the truth that, even when life doesn’t go as we wish, He will work our circumstances for our good and His glory.
* Start expressing gratitude *
Philippians 4: 5-7 tells us to pray about our concerns and thank God for what He has done. When we’re in a tough situation, we sometimes forget about doing the latter, but it’s vital to our well-being.
Giving thanks even when we don’t feel thankful releases serotonin and dopamine, hormones associated with pleasure and contentment. Our stress lifts when we stop focusing on the what-ifs and begin thanking God for His presence, faithfulness, and sovereignty even if the worst scenario comes to pass.
* Continue walking in truth *
Satan is always on the prowl looking for people whose lives he can destroy. (1 Peter 5:8) When we’re experiencing significant challenges, he tries to discourage us and plant seeds of doubt about God’s character in our thoughts.
We stand our ground against the enemy by keeping our eyes on Jesus and walking in the truth. So, my friend—meditate on Bible verses that address the peace of God. Here are a few samples: Philippians 4:5-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Isaiah 26:3.
Listen to songs and podcasts that grow your faith in God.
Get involved in a Bible study with other believers.
Walk in obedience to God’s Word. As I write Names of God: Knowing Peace, I’m learning much about the connection between God’s righteousness and peace. Harboring sin in our hearts is a guaranteed hindrance to knowing the peace of Christ, so let’s keep short accounts with Him.
Life can be tumultuous at times, but we needn’t be afraid. Jesus offers a gift of peace that surpasses anything our minds can fathom. Let’s accept His gift and do our part to experience the peace He promises to those who love Him.
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