Stress related illnesses are growing exponentially in societies throughout the world. New drugs are invented every year to reduce hyper-tension and blood pressure problems. While some illnesses are a normal part of life, millions are searching in vain for that elusive peace of mind to calm their nerves. Jesus said, "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." (John 14:27)
Illustration: Billy Graham once indicated that the most effective gospel tract he wrote was entitled, "How to Have Peace With God." People are searching for peace in all kinds of ways, but will not find their rest until they find their peace from Jesus Christ living in their heart.
The following principles have proven effective for giving peace of mind to those who look for it in Jesus.
1. Jesus calls everyone to come to Him for lasting peace. Jesus promised, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Only those who come to Jesus and share in doing His will are given the peace that passes human understanding.
It is a peace that non Christians will never possess. Is it little wonder that there are more angry, fearful and discourteous people everywhere in our world, every new day.
As we become consistently involved in doing His will, His responsibilities transform us. Our thinking, emotions and strength take on more of His image.
Remember, peace is a fruit of the control of the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22,23) The peace that passes all comprehension keeps our minds full of Christ’s peace, perspective and power. He enables to be peaceful when there is nothing but the swirling storms of uncertainty in our circumstances. (Phil. 4:6-8)
2. Jesus wants us to turn our minds to what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.
When we learn to see things from the Lord’s perspectives we are able to see the rainbow behind every rainstorm.
3. Jesus wants us to remember that loving service is followed with peaceful thoughts. Isaiah wrote, "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." (Isa. 32:17)
No one can get peace if they are not willing to engage in consistent service for the Lord and His purposes. Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work." (John 4:34)
4. Jesus wants us to remember that only the Lord’s blessings give peace, not anything else. Many people seek after things that can only give temporary peace of mind. David wrote, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." (Psa. 29:11)
Song: Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Similarly, people have no problem that God cannot solve.
5. Jesus knows the great peace is found in loving and obeying the scripture. The writer of Psalm 119 writes, "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." (Psa.119:165)
6. Learn to read, hear, study, memorize and meditate on the scripture to calm your mind when you are feeling anxious, bothered or burdened. Isaiah wrote, "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isa 26:3)
7. Jesus wants us to take up the armor of God for our peace. Paul writes, "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s scheme. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world." (Eph. 6:10-12)
Without the armor of righteousness, love, prayer, faith, salvation and the gospel we are vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one.
8. Jesus wants us to find peace in our hope. Job wrote, "You will have courage because you will have hope. You will take your time and rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid and many will look to you for help. (Job 11:18,19)
Peaceful praise and thanksgiving enhances our hope and rest. Praise Him for His attributes of peace, omnipotence and omniscience. You will enjoy greater peace as you let His peace replace any negative thoughts, irrational assumptions or anxious thoughts. Speak and sing His word in your hearts. HIs joy will not only be your strength but your comfort and peace.
9. Jesus wants us to remember the peace given to us in the Holy Spirit and His promises. Paul writes, "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline." (2 Tim. 1:7)
10. Jesus wants us to be in perfect peace by focusing our attention of Him and His example. Isaiah wrote, "You will keep him in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord." (Isa. 26:3)
11. Discipline your mind to focus your emotional, spiritual and mental energies on the Lord, His purposes and His activities that will cause His church to grow.
12. Jesus wants us to remember that He is our good Shepherd. David wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd, I will lack nothing. . . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psa. 23 :1,6) Even when you are encountering various trials, the Lord wants to develop in you a completed peace, perserverance and perspective that comes through the adversities of life’s experiences. Let the Lord develop in you a character of maturity that exhibits peace in all situations. You cannot know His peace unless you are willing to pass through the dark valley experiences with the faith to trust Him to work all things together for good. (Rom. 8:28,29)
13. Rest in the God who holds the future and rules over the affairs of every person.
Conclusion:
Often, when I get anxious I take time to sit in my office and sing the following songs in a quiet prayer to the Lord: "Jesus, I am resting, resting, in the oy of what Thou Art. I am finding out the greatness of your loving heart."
"Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father of Love. Sweeping over my spirit forever I pray in fathomless billows of love.
"MY peace I give unto you. (3X) Its a peace that the world cannot understand. A peace to know. A peace to give. My peace I give unto you."
