Your Gift of Peace

I recently read a report that revealed both troubling news – and amazing opportunities. The National Mental Health Association reports that the mental health of American youth is worsening, and suicidal thoughts in US adults are escalating. Rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm are also soaring.

Friend, as a believer in Jesus Christ, you can not only circumvent this trend, but you can also be part of reversing it! The believer’s life aligns with the Word of God, and Jesus says:

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me (John 14:1).

You might be tempted to say, “Ben, those are nice words, but it just doesn’t work for me. I can’t beat my anxiety, let alone help someone else.” I understand your skepticism and complaint, but God never asks us to do something that He won’t help us complete.

Let’s look at three powerful truths, three simple steps that will propel you toward a life of peace.

Rest in the Father – Follow Jesus’ example. He often stepped away from the chaos and the busyness of the crowds to talk to His Father. Don’t underestimate prayer’s value. Prayer is simply taking time to recognize God is with you in every mess and wants to help you. He has the wisdom and power you need.

Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).

Stand in the Son – Jesus’ completed work is your standing in the family of God – and your foundation for peace. You are a child of God because Jesus gave His life to restore your connection to the Father. You can do nothing to prove your worth or earn your keep. Jesus completed it all. Learning to humbly receive all Jesus provides is the grand work of faith!

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (John 6:29).

Walk in the Spirit – Jesus prepared the disciples for His impending death by saying the Father “will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16 NIV). That eternal advocate is the Holy Spirit, and you need His presence to walk in The Way of Jesus (John 14:6). Walking in step with the Spirit, in loving obedience to Jesus, produces beautiful fruit in your life.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

These three truths are your keys to quieting anxiety, improving mental health, and living a life that helps others do the same. You can be the difference this world needs. The peace of God is not an elusive treasure; God gave it to you as your inheritance. You must appropriate it and share it with others!

Choose to learn, believe, and act on the promises God gave you. Avoid the most common, deadly mistake of giving up too soon. As Norman Vincent Peale said, “It’s always too early to quit.” You have been called to a life of love by the God of love (1 John 4:16).

[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV).

Let these truths become part of the fabric of your being. When unrest tries to step in, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what truth you have tossed aside. Father God loves you. Jesus Christ died for you. The Holy Spirit dwells within you. You are accepted. You are significant. You have a purpose.