Living a peace-filled life is important and we’re told in the Psalms to “seek peace and to pursue it” (Psalm 34: 14). Sadly, peace doesn’t always just come to us. We most often have to seek after it.

I believe most everyone desires peace in their own lives and in our world, and most of us strive to keep it once we’ve found it.

But let me ask you… What comes to your mind when you think of the word peace? Do you have a sense of rest and contentment, or do you experience the lack of peace in your life?

Webster’s Dictionary gives this meaning for the word peace:  A state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind.

For me, true peace is being free from the effects of stress. I believe peace can also be defined as a deliberate state of spiritual calm despite the stress all around us. It’s a decision that we can make to get into agreement with God’s Word where He says He has not given us a spirit of fear, [fear being the opposite of peace and calm] but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

The world we live in is filled with fear: fear of the unknown, as well as fear of the known; fear of sickness and disease; fear of dying; fear of failure; fear of commitment; fear of no commitment; fear of rejection; fear of being alone; fear of financial loss; and the list goes on and on. And, perhaps you too, can relate to some of these fears.

But God never meant for you to live in a constant state of worry or anxiety. He doesn’t want the cares of life to get the better of you. The Bible tells us that “the Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11). It’s God’s desire that you have His peace and His strength for every situation you may face.

Jesus said to “be of good cheer” (in the midst of trouble) for He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33).

I believe fear is of the devil. It’s a well-oiled tool he uses to come against the spirits and minds of God’s children and keeps us from reaching our full potential. It can hinder us from trusting the Lord as the source for everything in our lives. And fear can overtake us when we look to people or things as our source and leave God out.

However, God doesn’t simply want to remove that spirit of fear, anxiety and worry from you. He also wants to give you something better in its place to help you walk in His power, live in His love, and have supernatural peace of mind in the midst of trouble. As His child, you can rest assured that His Word says He will never leave you to face the challenges of life alone. He’ll never abandon you. His desire is to help you, just as He has promised. (See Joshua 1:9 and Hebrews 13:5-6.)

I encourge you to refresh your mind daily with God’s Word. Read your Bible and meditate on scripture until it becomes a part of you. You can rest in His promises for you.

And keep your prayer life going strong. It’s your 24/7 open line of communication with God.

Know this; the supernatural peace of God is not based on your circumstances. It’s not based on how you feel, what resources you have in your bank account, or what natural abilities you may or may not have. It’s an enduring, God-given peace based on the fact that He loves you. It’s a peace that can help you press forward in faith.

My prayer for you…

Lord Jesus, I come to You in faith, believing and expecting You to help this person find peace… true peace. I rebuke every fear and every worry that has come against them, according to Your Word which says You have not given them a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. Lord, I’m asking and expecting You to give them that peace that passes all understanding as they cast their cares and concerns on You. Thank You for Your comforting presence in all situations. Thank You for Your miracles, Your answers to prayer, and for the abundant blessings You have for them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Know that God believes in you, and so do I.

I pray His peace will surround you and fill you and reign in your heart today, and always.