The search for peace consumes us.
Much of it is underground in our subconscious.
Some of that search comes closer to the surface—a sense of longing or dissatisfaction.
Explaining why we are as easily distracted as we are bored.
And still, some of it manifests in the conscious—questions of meaning or discerning what’s right or wrong.
This unavoidable restlessness doesn’t have to be the final experience.
Here are 3 steps to inner peace…
1. Admit that you are not at peace.
We don’t like to admit problems.
And no wonder.
Admission is where we start education programs, plays, or movies.
We feel like we’re letting them in.
“Hello Problem, Pain, or Misery! Enjoy your show.”
But think…What student, audience, or movie-goer is allowed to run the venue? None.
Admitting problems doesn’t give them authority to run your show.
It simply allows them to be defined.
And a problem that is defined can be confined.
Unidentified discontent in the soul runs amok.
So if you desire peace, admit your dissatisfaction.
2. Go Deep
The root problems robbing peace are deeper than what is convenient for our schedules and mental energy.
Getting to them requires an insistence of heart to get well.
You have to want to be at peace more than you want mental comfort.
First, ask your soul why it is discontented.
Psalm 43:5
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
Listen to its answer.
Ask why as many times as it takes till you get to the origin of the malaise.
3. Give It To Jesus
Once you’ve identified that anxiety, doubt, or pain, turn it over to God with praise.
He’s your help!
Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.
Do not be surprised if giant anxieties or agitations that defy definition take longer to leave in God’s hand.
Hand them back to Jesus when you notice that you’ve gripped them again.
Hand them to Jesus in prayer until your whole being finally knows that peace is your goal, not solving your own problem.
What activity or environment helps you to identify your anxieties or agitations?
Has this past year been especially difficult for you to be at peace?
Please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your answers to these questions.
Pastor Joshua
Yes, the past year has been difficult. The knee surgery took a toll on my already weakened legs/feet. I am still hurting in that knee at 7 months, then with hubby’s shoulder surgery, I had to take on more tasks which caused more pain and exhaustion. My husband and I have been more upset with each other than we have since early years. We have lost my “cool” with each other and exhibited bad attitudes and said things out of pain, exhaustion, and hurt feelings. I, too, have had very angry thoughts. As I cry out to God, He does come near and helps me get back to the right frame of mind until the next time and He does it again. I am not used to not having the peace of God in and through me. It’s a hard place and I just thank Him that He understands, forgives, and restores. I cried when I read this post. Timely.
Jackie, I can’t imagine how difficult life is with chronic pain. When you witness to the truth of God’s peace it is all the more authoritative than when I write about it. Thank you for giving God glory!
This is fantastic! I much needed word fo rme.
We all need His peace. Don’t we? Thanks, Leann.
Nothing compares to the promises He has for His children. I too had to seek And find Gods peace these past few months and He has been found so truthful and faithful. Jesus says He leaves His peace not as the world gives peace but His peace He has given to me. A peace so Undescribable and so comforting.
I’m encouraged to hear that. I’m glad that His peace is a gift because we could never fully earn it, could we?
Good stuff! Yeah, I think one of the hardest steps is admitting our lack of peace, like you said. Sometimes I can get used to living without peace that I forget how great it is to let go of control and walk in God’s peace instead of trying to manage my world.
I can totally understand that desire for control. I think that God wants us to steward our lives well. “Control” the things we are responsible for. But when I try to control His stuff, I never have peace.