I woke up with a full mind today. You know how it goes—the long list of things you need to do, aggravated by the things you didn’t get done the day before—all keeping you from falling back to sleep. It is a tug-of-war with me. Depression keeps me frozen in place thinking about everything, which leads to anxiety about what I’m not doing. If I don’t break the cycle I get stuck for days.

I have been learning what it means to live life with God, inviting him to be present with me as I write, but also in every other aspect. In seeking him out for this blog and what we would write together, he led me to peace.

I know the need I have for peace. Many of you may have anxiety about the war. Others may have unrest about jobs, illness, children, or finances. There are no shortages, in this world, of challenges to our peace.

I want to dive into three scriptures today. The first is how to deal with our worry.

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.

Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭(TPT‬‬)

When we give God our worries, even when we are in the midst of what’s troubling us, he guards our heart and mind with peace. I imagine it like a soothing balm, or a warm blanket tucked in around me, helping me feel secure.

This second scripture reminds us of what life should look like with Jesus in our lives.

Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].

Colossians 3:15 (AMP)

I love this translation! The “inner calm” and the “controlling factor.” I sure need those. For good measure, I say, “Thank you God for this peace of Christ, and help me to walk in it.“

This verse talks about peace “deciding and settling questions that arise.” This last scripture shines the light on how to attain that peace in our decisions.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:17-18 (NLT)

When we seek God’s wisdom, we can know we have found our answer when it fits this criteria.

If you find yourself full of anxiety, if your life is in turmoil, if your heart hurts for those affected by war, I pray for the peace of Christ to pour over you, to guard you, and to guide you as you walk securely in his love and grace.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy