It’s odd how some circumstances in life seem horrendous, and yet we can walk in perfect peace, and other situations may not be as extreme but fear controls our every thought.
When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I won’t lie, I was afraid. I had no idea what our future was going to look like. I didn’t know if I would be raising children alone, or if I would get to grow old with him. In over 20 years of marriage we’d never experienced anything of that magnitude. However, even though I was afraid, I was at perfect peace. My circumstances were not dictating the degree of my peace.
Recently, I was in a situation that, compared to my husband’s battle with cancer, was so minor. Nevertheless, the incident gripped me with fear and stole my peace. I’d never in my life had such debilitating fear. I knew in my head it wasn’t right. I knew I’d been through worse. I knew God was on my side, but what I knew and what I felt were at odds with each other.
The two situations were on completely different spectrums of stress, and so was my response to them. However, the reality of it is, our situations do not determine our peace. We can be under the most intense battle of our lives and remain in constant peace. Paul and Silas were attacked, stripped, beaten, shackled and thrown into prison, yet they were singing hymns and praising God (Acts 16:22-25), and Stephen praised God as he was being stoned for his bold witness (Acts 7:55-60). It was their mindset that determined their peace.
When our thoughts are on the Lord, then the circumstances cannot steal our peace.
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. Isa. 26:3 amp.
There are three things that keep us in perfect and constant peace:
1. A person committed to Christ is promised perfect and constant peace. I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27.
2. A person who leans on the Lord is promised perfect and constant peace. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
3. A person who confidently puts their hope in Christ is promised perfect and constant peace. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
As you will notice, perfect peace isn’t based upon lack of trials. We were never promised a life without difficulties. However, we were promised peace in spite of our difficult times. If you are struggling with keeping your peace, I encourage you to evaluate where your mindset is. As His children we are promised His peace – don’t allow it to be taken!
Yes, Beth, I can attest to keeping that peace. The first time I experienced it was seeing the Lord meet all of my needs after I lost my first husband, Daniel. And the second is what I am walking through this very moment, having to completely Trust in Him again, realizing as before, that I could do nothing to change things. In releasing it all & laying it at His feet, I have that incredible Peace flooding my soul. Keeping our eyes upon Him, yes, HE will see us through. So thankful that He has answered your prayers & you continue to share your life with your husband & kids. The Lord mended my heart & answered my prayers too with my husband, Timothy & his kids. I probably won’t know the reason why the Lord blessed me twice in my life, this side of heaven, but am oh so grateful for what He has bestowed upon my life. Thank you for your testimony of Him! Laurie
Thanks for sharing, Laurie.