The peace that passes understanding
We all know how difficult it has been lately and I’m sure everyone wants to get back to normal. Although “normal” is a relative term, going beyond this pandemic is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Also during this time, people have been nervous and worried about the future. For some, the future is bleak and “cloudy”, while others seem to see a much brighter picture. Why is that? Could it be that some people are simply connected that way, or do they have a secret that changes the way they view life? Either way, I will show you how you can have peace during this time and in the future.
There is a way to eliminate anxiety in our lives and knowing how to do it is beneficial for physical and mental health. After all, if you are worried all the time, your body will manifest symptoms of illness that don’t really exist. So what am I talking about?
It’s called “The Peace That Passes Understanding.” So what is this? To get the answer to this, let’s open our Bibles and see what the Almighty has to say about it.
Many times when we are all done worrying about life’s problems, we tend to get caught trying to solve the problem as if there is a magic formula to solve it.
Aha, there is a clue. I was looking for a pill. I visited God-my-pharmacist and asked him what to bring for my anxiety. That is not the way Scripture works. I should have noticed it when I reduced the passage to a formula. Scripture, on the other hand, is about the triune God. It is about knowing and trusting a person, and our formulas can actually lead us away from that person and make us dependent on a series of steps (Welsh, E. 2010)
Relieving stress and anxiety is not achieved by applying a formula. Rather, seek the face of the Almighty. The scriptures can help us see our dilemma and how God wants us to solve it. Let’s look at some scriptures and see how it can be done.
Jesus is called “The Prince of Peace” for a reason. In John 14:27 we read:
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you; I don’t give it to you like the world gives it. Not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
So we see that Jesus leaves us peace and gives us peace. Also notice that He does not give “peace” as the world does. The word “peace” in this scripture is the Greek word “eirene” (I-rah’-nay) and means: “one, peace, tranquility, rest”. Jesus does not want us to be troubled. He can calm the biggest storm as seen below in Mark 4: 35-38.
Mark 4:35 That same day, in the evening, he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.”
Mark 4:36 When they left the crowd, they carried him away in the boat as he was. And other boats were also with him.
Mark 4:37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves struck the boat, so that it was already filling up.
Mark 4:38 But he was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they woke him up and said: Master, don’t you mind if we perish?
Mark 4:39 Then he got up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace be still!” And the wind stopped and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:40 But he said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How come you don’t have faith?”
Mark 4:41 And they were exceedingly afraid, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Calling on the name of the Lord is what it takes to find guidance in times of trouble. He is our strength:
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to her and are safe.
Psalms 18: 2 The LORD is my rock, my stronghold, and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my bulwark.
Psalms 28: 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted him and I was helped; Therefore my heart rejoices, And with my song I will praise him.
Worshiping the Lord helps calm the sea of anxiety:
John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; because the Father looks for such to adore him.
John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship him must do so in spirit and truth. “
Hebrews 13:15 Therefore let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.
Psalm 146: 1 Praise the LORD! Praise the Lord, my soul!
Psalm 43: 5 Why are you downcast, my soul? And why are you restless inside of me? Hope in god; For I will still praise him, help from my face and from my God.
Here’s a secret: If we humble ourselves and worship God, the Holy Spirit will restore us! Being humble also helps relieve stress and anxiety:
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn away from their wicked ways, I will listen to them from heaven, I will forgive their sin and I will heal their land.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the eyes of the Lord, and he will exalt you.
For now, these are some of the many ways to ease the burden of the world’s worries. In closing, here are two more Bible passages to encourage you:
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matt 11:30 because my yoke is easy and my burden is light. “
Psalms 3: 3 But you, O LORD, are a shield to me, my glory and the one who lifts up my head.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Visit my podcast channel at https://hdf.podbean.com/. And keep an eye out for our new website coming soon!
JP
References:
Galés, E. (2010). Peace that passes all understanding. Retrieved from: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles
/ peace-passes-all-understanding /