Finding peace-really?
There’s a verse in Scripture that has always annoyed me. It’s Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayers and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Somehow this sounds like a quick fix that should dispel fear, anxiety and worry. Really? Too many times the harder I’ve tried to do this, the more I’ve failed. I have prayed, emptying my brain giving Him my worry, felt peaceful for a moment then seconds later I’m back to worrying again. That peace that I long for often seems elusive.
I’ve been thinking about this over the past three weeks as our grandson Mac, age 6, has been in critical condition with liver failure resulting in a liver transplant (click here to read about it). It has been a fearful time for all of us and little Mac, while recovering, has a long road ahead.
I’m still in the process of learning about God’s peace but here are a few things that have helped:
- Reflect on the character of God. The very next verses in this passage read: Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things…(Phil 4:8-9)
I cannot merely empty my brain without replacing my anxious thoughts with something else. Lovely, true, pure, etc. describe the character of God. So instead of merely giving my worries to God and waiting for his peace, I begin to say His character traits out loud. You are the truth. Nothing is hidden from you. You know everything. In you there is light and there is no darkness at all. You are able. Speaking out loud helps me to focus on Him rather than on my current concern. When worry creeps back in, I simply begin all over again. - Rest in the moment. God will meet me in this moment. I must resist all thoughts of “what if…” Just as He is in the present He will be in that future. He is a very present God. At this moment. Now.
- Have friends pray for you. Throughout our grandson’s illness many people all over the world have prayed for him and for our whole family. These prayers have sustained us. And we have experienced, God with us- Immanuel in unusual ways.
- Remember: He cares. A serious health issue, a troublesome child, a painful relationship, an important decision- nothing is too small for God’s undivided attention.
Learning to experience the peace of God is a life long journey. We won’t accomplish it this side of heaven. But we can grow in resting in His supernatural peace as we ask Him for it moment by moment, in the moment.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you,
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26.
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