Enter into His Peace

Even in the middle of life’s storms, God remains sovereign on His throne, speaking “Peace, be still” over your every trouble.

Although many believe that perfect peace is a distant promise, the truth is, you don’t have to wait until you get to Heaven to experience it. Your inner peace was meant to begin when you received Jesus’ saving work on the cross and asked Him to forgive your sins. He purchased your peace at Calvary, as Isaiah prophesied hundreds of years before it happened:

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV).

The Bible says you can experience peace with God because you’ve been “justified by faith” (Romans 5:1). Because of what Jesus did on the cross for you, you can live in the reality of His supernatural peace, which occurs regardless of circumstances and is beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Maybe you find this puzzling. “I got saved years ago, and I know my sins are forgiven,” you protest. “But I’m still stressed out all the time. What am I doing wrong?”

We’re glad you asked!

Here are five practical steps you can begin to take today to say goodbye to the stranglehold of stress once and for all:

Set aside time every day to be alone with God. Serenity will fill your heart when you regularly quiet yourself before the Lord and remember His instruction: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Place a “No Trespassing” sign on your heart and mind. Say to yourself, “I will not continue to focus on these negative thoughts. I choose to focus on God’s goodness right now.” You must shut the door on negative thoughts or feelings of unworthiness: “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23 NASB).

Choose how you will spend your time. Set a schedule that prioritizes your development of spiritual growth, with time set aside each day for Bible reading, prayer, and worship: “Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Know your limits. Don’t overextend yourself or take on more than you can manage: “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).

Give thanks to the Lord for His peace. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

Dear friend, considering these instructions from God’s Word, you have several choices to make:

Will you worry or will you worship? Will you focus on stress or focus on the Savior? Will you let your life be filled with pressure or with peace?

Though the storm winds may be raging, God is still sitting on the throne of Heaven. During life’s turmoil, He is speaking to your troubling circumstances: “Peace, be still.”

Week One

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Week Two

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28–29

Week Three

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:9–10

Week Four

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7