Three Important Secrets To Maintaining Your Peace

When Life Spins Out of Control, Find Peace

Brenda's husband was in the military, and her family frequently transferred to different locations. As soon as it seemed they had put down roots in one spot, they inevitably moved to a new place.

One day, a long-time friend asked Brenda how she managed to cope with the constant change. Brenda explained, "I've learned that peace is not something that comes from perfect circumstances. Peace is something that flows from my relationship with Jesus."

It is tempting to think that if you had ideal circumstances, you would feel at peace. Maybe you say you would be at peace if your job were not so stressful. Perhaps you tell your friends that you would be at peace if you had a better marriage. Maybe you say you would be at peace if you did not have that chronic illness.

But as Brenda has learned, peace does not stem from your circumstances. You can be living in the best or the worst moments of your life, and you can still know peace.

3 Hard Truths about Peace

Peace can seem elusive at times in your life. Maybe you are going through a crisis or a season of chaos. Everything feels unpredictable and outside of your control. But the secret to maintaining your peace lies in remembering three important truths…

Truth #1: There Will Be Trouble

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 KJV

Jesus told the disciples they would experience trouble. Not that they possibly will have trouble or might have trouble. Jesus said that trouble was certain as a result of living in a fallen world.

But Jesus did not rest there. He also made a vow. You are able to enjoy peace. You can have peace because Jesus has overcome the world already. This is a triumph that He freely offers to all of His followers.

Truth #2: You Can Choose Your Response

It is effortless to be at peace when your marriage is flowing smoothly, when your teenagers are not moody, and when your boss has a string of good days. But what about when those things are not happening? Is it still possible to have peace even then?

The answer is categorical yes. You can have peace…but you must rest in the truth that only you can choose your response.

You cannot help it if your spouse is trying to pick a fight. What you can do is respond with a gentle answer to prevent the argument as advised in Proverbs 15:1 KJV, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

You cannot help it if your teenager is moody. Let them know that you are here to listen when they are ready, as mentioned in Galatians 6:2 KJV, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

You cannot help it if your boss is having a bad day. What you can do is focus on doing the best you can to complete the tasks as Paul commanded in Colossians 3:23 KJV, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto me."

When you focus on your response during a situation instead of what everyone else is saying and doing, you will be able to stay clear-headed and at peace.

Truth #3: It Might Be Time for Change

This is a hard truth to swallow. But if you continually feel chaos and uncertainty, it might be time to consider making different choices.

Maybe you are in a marriage where your spouse is an alcoholic. Perhaps you are living in a small home packed with clutter. Maybe you are in a job you hate that drains you.

You cannot help the choices others are making—you cannot change your spouse or force them to stop drinking. What you can do is make choices that protect the interests of you and your children.

You may not be able to modify the size of your home, but you can make different choices when it comes to the clutter. You may not be able to walk away from your job right now, but you can start building an online business that will allow you to have freedom one day.

Sometimes, God allows your circumstances to press in on you because he shows you a new path he wants you to take. Sometimes, it is difficult for you to see this in the middle of your chaos. It was the same way for the Israelites when God spoke to them.

^"18 Remember ye, not the former things, neither consider the things of old.¹⁹ Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:18-19 KJV

Accepting that God leads you to a different path can bring up feelings of fear and worry about the future. That is because even if you do not like where you find yourself, there is still a feeling of safety in what is familiar.

Your marriage might be painful, but it is a familiar pain, whereas the pain of separation, so your spouse can repent, is an unfamiliar pain. Your clutter might be making it difficult for you to live the life you have envisioned and minister to others, but it is a familiar pain.

But as scary as change might be, you do not have to be afraid. You have the assurance of God's constant presence and faithful provision.

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." – Joshua 1:9 KJV.

If this speaks to you, check out this blog from my friend Karen Williams: “For great is the Holy One in your midst” (Isaiah 12:6).