Maybe it’s just me, but I thought that once I became a Christian, my life would be easy and trouble-free. After all, the Bible promises us peace. However, it never portrays the Christian life as a bed of roses. After all, even roses have thorns. Biblical peace does not mean the absence of problems. However, peace can be found in the presence of God. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV, emphasis added). We can find peace in the storm and become overcomers when we rely on Jesus.
What is Peace?
The dictionary definition of peace is freedom from disturbance, tranquility, or a state or period in which there is no war.
The Bible uses two words for peace. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace is “šālôm.” It means peace, safety, prosperity, wholeness, security, divine blessing, and a feeling of satisfaction, well-being, and contentment.. In the New Testament, the Greek word for “peace” is “eirēnē.” It is defined as peace, harmony, tranquility; safety, welfare, health; a lack of strife or reconciliation in relationships, as when one has “peace with God.”
Both of these words imply a tranquil state of mind or an internal feeling that is independent of external circumstances. Neither of these words is defined as a freedom from problems. As Jesus explained, His peace is different. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).
My Peace in the Storm
The storm
I had a job I hated: working in a toxic environment. I wanted to quit, but had no idea where I would find a new position. While overthinking, I became so distracted that I ran a red light. Thankfully, I was the only one injured in the ensuing car accident. However, I was hospitalized with a fractured vertebra.
When I was released from the hospital, I had to learn to walk again and wear a large, uncomfortable body brace for four months. My life felt like it couldn’t get any worse. But something amazing happened during my recovery: I stopped striving for a solution and started seeking God.
The Peace
Over the months of my recovery, I prayed, read my Bible, read a non-fiction Christian book, and journaled. During this time, God showed me that when I sought Him, He met me and answered my prayers. Although I must admit He didn’t exactly do it in the way I had hoped or expected.
During this process, I learned a great deal about myself and grew closer to God. At some point, I stopped worrying about finding a solution to my problems and began to trust that, no matter what, God would make a way. As it turned out, God had a new way for me to go. He was calling me to write my story, a ministry I had never even imagined.
I can’t even describe the way I felt. Perhaps, it’s what the bible calls “the peace that surpasses understanding” (Philippians 4:7). I felt as if God was wrapping me up in the soft, fuzzy blanket of His love. I felt light and hopeful, as if I were floating in a balloon.
The Resolution
After my doctors proclaimed me well enough, I returned to my job for only one day. The environment was still toxic. Additionally, I realized I couldn’t stand for extended periods, which, as a teacher, was a requirement. So, I took early retirement and found a part-time job to cover my medical insurance. This allowed me time to work on my writing.
Six Ways to Find Peace in the Storm
The key to finding peace in the storm is remembering that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV).
Thus, my seven ways to find peace in the storm all revolve around Jesus.
1. Stay in the PRESENT moment
Peace isn’t found by reviewing and regretting past mistakes. Nor is it found in knowing what comes next. Peace is found when we know that, even when our present circumstances aren’t perfect, JESUS IS.
We can find peace in our present circumstances, knowing we aren’t walking alone. Even when we walk through difficult, dark, or dangerous experiences, the Lord walks right beside us, comforting and strengthening us.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, NIV).
2. Surrender everything in PRAYER
When we are walking through a storm, it’s tempting to pray and ask God to fix, change, and remove it. But that isn’t what God usually does. God often uses storms to fix, change, or remove something from us.
Thus, rather than praying for a breakthrough, we can release our grip on our self-reliance and be still. When we rest in God’s power, we allow Him to provide protection, provision, and peace. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7 NIV).
One strategy that helped me wait patiently for God was praying and asking Him to search my heart. I asked Him to reveal all my anxieties, fears, and everything I was trying to control. Next, I wrote them down, prayed, and visualized placing them in God’s capable hands. Finally, I crumpled up my list and threw it away.
Friend, letting go isn’t giving up, it’s resting in God’s grace. When we stop chasing all the answers, set down our burdens, and say, “Your will be done,” peace finds us.
3. Keep focused on God’s PRESENCE, rather than the storm
Peace comes when we persist in God’s presence and do not let our present circumstances prevent us from believing that everything will be all right.
We can learn from Peter’s example when he tried to walk on the water. Peter had to keep his focus on Jesus; otherwise, he sank. When he focused on Jesus, not the storm, his past, or his abilities, he walked across that water (Matthew 14:22-33).
Whether we seek God in prayer, worship, or by reading His word, we can do so, not to find answers, but to be close to Him. As David said, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you” (Psalm 63:1-3, ESV).
4. PRACTICE walking in the Holy Spirit
Before His crucifixion, Jesus explained that after His death, His followers would receive the Holy Spirit to guide and teach them. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13-14, ESV).
Thus, after we have surrendered our hearts, fears, and will to God, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and fill us with the mind of Christ.
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”(Romans 8:5-6, NIV)
When we walk by the Spirit, our minds align with God’s truth, will, and plans. Then we can experience peace in the storm by putting what we’ve learned into practice. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9, NIV).
5. PLACE trust in God
When all we can see is the present moment, it can be challenging to put our trust in God. But God sees, knows, and understands things we don’t. Additionally, the Bible tells us that God has perfect plans for us. “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).
Although we would like to see immediate solutions to our problems, the Bible encourages us to have patience and trust in god’s perfect timing. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14, ESV).
One strategy that helps me trust is to remember the ways I’ve previously seen God move. Another is reading stories in the Bible and seeing how God has always rescued His people. Finally, I remember that Christ has the ultimate victory. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV).
Dear one, when it feels like the earth is falling out from under our feet, it can be hard to trust that God hears our prayers and has our best interests at heart. But His word reminds us, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:3-4, ESV).
6. PRAISE and worship through the storm
Friend, gratitude has the power to change our perspective because it reminds us of all we have, rather than all we don’t. That’s why Paul instructs us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:1, NIV).
Additionally, drawing near to God and praising Him with our gratitude has the power to defeat the enemy. James explains it like this, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8, NKJV).
Summary
Dear one, don’t let difficult days disrupt your peace. Remember, the key to peace lies with Jesus. So, look up, listen to His voice, and leave the storm in God’s capable hands.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7,NIV)
More About Peace in the Storm
When Anxiety Hits … Just Breathe
Finding God’s Peace When You’re Overthinking
