The Secret to Holding on to Your Peace

 

 

 

The Secret to Holding On to Your Peace (3-Minute Read)

© Copyright 2024   |   Adele M. Gill

 

“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

 

Recently, while watching a podcast on the internet about current events, I felt overwhelmed by the gravity of it all. Certainly this was not the first time I have felt this way, as I can at times be a world class worrier, until I can have the presence of mind to turn my heart and mind back to focus squarely on Jesus. This happens through fervent prayer, and getting into Holy Scripture, God’s Word. Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience.

Why am I at times so bothered by this world? Because in my humble opinion, this world is spinning out of control without Godly leadership, at every level. Even our families and closest relationships are negatively impacted by divisiveness related to current events. I know people who have become estranged from loved ones over political ‘debates’ gone awry as they refuse to agree to disagree. In a way, it seems like all roads lead to politics like never before: healthcare/sanctity of life/immigration/the weather…What a tragedy—and the worst reason ever to strain or end close relationships.

These days, mentioning basic Judeo-Christian/Bible teachings can easily cause an uproar with some people as they are in direct opposition to many socially acceptable topics. Like oil and water, there is great disparity between Jesus’ gospel teachings and worldly wisdom.  But we need to remember this: There is such a thing as absolute truth, despite many people embracing abject relativism. God’s truths are everlasting, and His divine will always wins in the end.

But All Is Not Lost

But all is not lost. God has the unique, almighty capability to heal whatever it is that is broken in this world: our bodies, our hearts, and our minds; our relationships, our communities, our states, our nation. It is possible to continue holding on to your peace because Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, is the answer. He will help you for the asking!

The Bible—with full authority–tells us that God will forgive all of our sins, both as individuals, and as a nation—all of mankind—if we turn to Him, acknowledge our sins, and simply ask for forgiveness. Forgivenes brings us closer to God–The One who is the very essence of our peace. It is sometimes hard to watch such chaos ensue while looking at the world through a biblical worldview lens. But there is hope! It is found in Holy Scripture in passages like this:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

Disengage or Press Forward?

Though I have considered stepping away from the distressing daily news that seems to find me daily via the internet, I have not yet ‘unplugged.’ But I do at times step away. That is because I strongly believe that understanding the state of the world enables me to pray more specifically and with focus and clarity, both praying alone, and with my praying friends and family. We have to decide for ourselves how we, as believing Christians, will navigate the mayhem and turbulence of this world. Truth is, some days, peace is a rare commodity, little more than elusive idea, a goal that is difficult if not impossible to attain. But you need to try to keep holding on to your peace. How? Holy Scripture tells us we need to try our utmost to fill our minds and hearts with all that is good.

^4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ 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 4:4-9