How to Choose Peace of mind
It’s so important to know how to choose peace of mind so that we are not overtaken by the circumstances that come alongside of life.
The MRI technician pressed the button that shifted my body back into the MRI machine. I could feel myself being “swallowed” (dramatic, maybe).
I opened my eyes and the loud sounds began. I’m not claustrophobic but yet I begin to reevaluate that statement. I’m suddenly feeling very uneasy. In a moment’s notice, my peace was taken.
I immediately begin to pray and recite scriptures. “God is my peace” (Ephesians 2:14) “God, I know you are with me” (Matthew 28:20) “You did not give me a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7) and after a few moments, I began to feel my fears melt away as I chose to rest in God’s promises.
Is having peace of mind a choice?
I read these bible verses on peace from the book of John, words that Jesus spoke and I am reminded that having peace of mind IS a choice.
So the actual question is do I choose the world (who offers fear of uncertainty) or do I choose faith in Jesus (who offers a peace that surpasses understanding)?
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Jesus said, we will have troubles in the world BUT in Him we will have peace. So how do we obtain that peace?
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. Philippians 4:7
Through faith, Jesus, prayer & obedience to God’s Word, we receive a supernatural peace from God.
How do you react when your faith is tested?
There is so much division in our world. We see division in religion, politics, medical views, parenting views, even in our households.
How do we keep our peace among the division in the world? How do we keep our peace among differences in views and opinions?
The moment someone else doesn’t agree with us, a portion of our peace is wilted. You know what I’m talking about.
We are up against a giant when it comes to battling our peace being taken from us. Job insecurity, a health scare, phone calls that change everything, marriage problems, kids, unhealthy relationships, dealing with difficult people, our government, the news, death, sickness, evil, etc.
Most of these topics produce negative emotions such as anger, pride, frustration, fear and worry and these emotions rob us of the peace that comes from God.
Human emotions can be unreliable so our faith & wisdom in God’s Word has to replace our feelings.
We can’t forget that Jesus said that in this world we will have tribulation BUT in Him we have peace. He gave us Himself so that we would have hope, security and peace in something greater than this world.
How to choose peace of mind through Jesus
Let’s look at some bible verses about meditating on scriptures to replace our negative thoughts with the truth of God.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
This is one of my favorite bible verses because it is so applicable to that constant struggle we live with in our mind. It tells us to take our negative thoughts and bring them into captivity then align them to what God says and focus on that!
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2
When we choose God’s ways over our own, that is how we are transformed into His image thus receiving what only comes from Him, peace.
Coming from someone who literally was paralyzed by worry, I cannot even count the hours, days, months and years that I’ve had my peace stolen from me because I chose worry over faith.
Let me back up, to the reason I was getting an MRI earlier this week. It started a few weeks ago with swollen lymph nodes and no other symptoms. An ultrasound later, determined I needed an MRI.
I got the call this morning that the MRI was abnormal (words no-one wants to hear) next is a biopsy and surgery is probable.
This was a lot to process and now I get to choose to be worried about the biopsy results OR choose peace of mind through Jesus.
As Christians, our actions speak louder than words. We don’t simply say “we have faith”. We live our faith through our actions in life.
How we love others, the way we worship God and seek Spiritual Growth through His Word. How we speak to others, how we share Jesus and even how we hold it all together when things appear to be crumbling around us.
Because our mindset is eternal and our eyes are focused on Jesus and His promises to us. That’s our hope, our unshakable foundation.
God is faithful
The fact that I’m publishing How to choose peace of mind literally in the middle of a health scare is divine intervention! I did not plan this. And that fact brings me peace.
Because you know what, God is with me. And God is with you too. No matter where you are right now in the hills and valleys of life.
I’m praising God that my faith is bigger than my fears and I have found peace of mind while I wait for my results.
Because it wasn’t always this way. But God is faithful to complete the work He begins in us.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Once we choose to follow Jesus (through salvation) a sanctification process begins. This process of spiritual growth will last our life time and through our obedience, the Holy Spirit sanctifies us into God’s image where faith and fears do not coexist.
Having faith doesn’t mean everything will always be perfect in our lives. Having faith means that with God, we’re able to withstand all that life brings because we trust in Him, no matter the outcome.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5
How to get peace of mind in life
These steps are practical and have proven results because God loves us and He doesn’t want us to live in bondage of fear, worry, anxiety or sin. He wants us to have freedom that is only found in Him.
The key to these steps is having faith and trusting in the God of all creation who put the stars in their place and knows the number of hairs on your head. Because without that, there’s no power behind these steps.
Step #1 Know Jesus through prayer and the scriptures. Develop a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus with whom you have access to God. How much time and energy do you put into a relationship with your spouse or best friend. Well, Jesus comes first sister, so nurture that relationship first and foremost and as deeply as you can imagine.
Step #2 Know & APPLY the scriptures to your life. Be in your bible and if you don’t have a bible, I can recommend several to you. The scriptures in the bible contain wisdom, guidance, comfort and provide all the answers we need pertaining to life and godliness. Trust these words because they breathe life into us and are our only source of hope.
Step #3 Live a Holy Spirit led life. Jesus knew we would need a helper and He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help guide us through life on the straight and narrow path through God honoring choices. Keep your eyes fixed on the path that leads to God and life eternally, with Him.
These are steps to spiritual growth which will develop peace of mind in your life.
Be sure to get caught up on the Choose Life Series, here.
What are your thoughts on how to choose peace of mind? Thanks for reading, I appreciate your time spent here.
Please share with your friends and take a moment to leave a comment, I love hearing from you!
