Worry. It can easily enter our mind, so much so that it seems normal, almost a necessary part of life. But, it isn’t meant to be part of our life. Peace is.
The Bible has much to say about worry and about peace.
One of my favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 26:3 tells me that God keeps in perfect peace the one who has his mind set on Him. Because he trusts in God.
I want that kind of peace - perfect peace.
In Matthew 8, I find a story of the disciples worrying while Jesus was asleep. They were in a boat in the middle of a lake when a violent storm came up. The disciples started worrying – maybe panicking. Jesus was sleeping through it, so they woke Him up, shouting, “We are all going to drown!” I can see Jesus yawning while He questioned why they were so afraid and scolded them for their lack of faith. Then He calmly proceeded to calm the storm.
When I’m in the middle of the misery of worry, do I think that Jesus is sleeping? Do I really think that God, Who created the universe, doesn’t know there is a storm going on in my life?
There is another story in the book of John, chapter 14.
As Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure from this earth, He told them He was giving them His peace. The peace of Christ is not like the peace most of us are used to. The peace we experience in this world is usually a quiet space between one conflict and the next. Jesus told the disciples to not let their hearts be troubled and to not be afraid. Jesus’ peace is lasting and strong.
In the book of Philippians Paul says that I shouldn’t worry about anything. Instead, I should present everything to God, in prayer – with thanksgiving. Then, that incredible peace that is beyond my understanding, will guard my heart and mind. Read Philippians 4:6,7, It is a good passage to memorize for use when worry keeps you awake at night.
So when I’m in the midst of the worry struggle, instead of experiencing the dread of the fear and stewing over how I will fix the problem,
- I will keep my mind on Jesus.
- To do this I will spend time everyday reading my Bible.
- I will write some of my favorite verses on index cards and read them during the day.
- I will trust in Him.
- I will practice giving Him control of every situation.
- I will present my worries and requests to God.
- I will pray everyday.
- I will be thankful for what He has done and is doing and for being with me always.
- I will list my blessings and refer to them during my prayer time.
- I will expect the peace of God that transcends all understanding to fill my heart and mind and soul, because I know that the Bible is the word and truth of God.
Walking With Women of the Bible
E-Book by Lynne Chapman
Twelve Extraordinary Women:
How God Shaped Women of the Bible, and What He Wants to Do with You
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