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How To Find Peace In A World Full of Anxiety: Practical Advice On Finding Peace Through Faith In Today’s Stressful World
While most people are searching for peace, Christians and non-Christians tend to approach peace in different ways. Those who do not follow Jesus are likely to define peace like the Oxford Dictionary defines peace: “freedom from or the cessation of war or violence”. In other words, when there is no more war or violence, then we can experience peace. You can probably already see the problem with this approach… when is there EVER a time when there is no war or violence? We are surrounded with war and violence every day. The vast majority of the news that comes across our devices point us to war and violence, with plenty of pictures and videos to draw us even closer to it. If you are waiting for war and violence to end in order to have peace, you will never have it. In fact, the Bible tells us that wars and violence will continue to increase (see Matthew 24:6-7).
Jesus tells us, even assures us, that we CAN have peace, even when the world is falling apart all around us. But here is the key: It’s HIS peace that He gives us.
When we study these three scriptures, we find important truths to finding peace.
John 14:27 – “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.” While we love the world around us, we do not see things the same way. The world is filled with so much hatred and conflict. But Jesus explains to us in John 16:33 – “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.” See that again? “in ME you may have peace…” Jesus doesn’t bring us peace by removing all our problems… He brings is peace by bringing us closer to Himself. Remember as a child when you got hurt or scared and you cried out to your mother and father? What did they do? Magically take away the pain? Convince you there was nothing to fear? No… the embraced you, held you tight, spoke comforting words to you… and you felt better. Do the same thing with your Lord Jesus. Go to Him and tell Him your problems… He won’t always take them away… but He will embrace you and comfort you and remind that He has overcome the world.
Philippians 4:4-7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.” Notice the “If… then” structure of this? If you do this… then you will have that. The short version of this is: “If you rejoice, be gentle, remember God is near to you, and don’t let your fears over take you and pray to God… THEN the peace of God will be with you. And notice that this “transcends all understanding”? It’s not something you figure out or add up… it’s something that you do by faith, trusting God will do what He promises… give you peace.
Now this next one sounds a lot like the last one, but watch for something different….
Philippians 4:8-9 – “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. 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.” Again, the “If…then” structure. Simply put… “Think on the good things… DO the right things… and then what?” You’ll have peace? No! Better than that! Look again at the end of v. 9 – “And the God of peace will be with you.” HE will be with you! And when you KNOW He is with you, then you will have peace.
Remember that when we need peace, what we really need is to know and feel that Jesus is truly with us. Study these scriptures, act on them, pray them and trust that Jesus will keep His promise and be with you… and give you peace.
