Devotions & Scriptures for Peace of Mind

 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. –Colossians 3:15, NIV

Peace can be broken down into four categories: World peace, peace with others, inner peace, and peace with God.

With so much global unrest everywhere we look, world peace doesn’t seem attainable. Anger, disrespect and the like fuel hatred towards one another and makes having peace with others difficult to maintain. Inner conflict and self-loathing become barriers to having inner peace. When we don’t recognize and accept our sinfulness and need for God’s grace, resistance to God, unwillingness to submit to him as Lord of our life, keep us from having peace with God. 

The Apostle Paul said if we would let the peace of Christ rule in our heart it will supply all the peace we need. Once the peace of God rules in our heart we stop warring with others, we have the peace with God we are looking for and we finally enjoy inner peace when we submit to God’s lordship. 

When the peace of Christ rules in our heart we are no longer at war. No longer at war with those around us, no longer at war with God and no longer at war with ourselves. When the peace of Christ rules in our heart all external and internal warring has ceased.

God, thank you for knowing exactly how I can enjoy inner peace.  

  Read Matthew 13:33 

  Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” –Matthew 13:33

Have you discovered if you don’t keep close watch over your thoughts and emotions that they can get away from you and lead you down a path where you can’t return? If we’re not careful, attentive, and self-aware mentally and emotionally, those random thoughts can have us on a path that has a disastrous outcome and we end up entertaining those—usually dark, depressive, pessimistic thoughts—is like continuing down a road clearly marked dead-end or bridge out ahead.

With our mood or emotions, we don’t usually go from zero to one hundred, rather it’s a gradual decline. We can usually feel and sense it when we’re headed in that direction. 

Thanks be to God when we sense what’s happening we have ways to pull back the reins and pump our mental and emotional brakes. 

Sometimes something as simple as a distraction, turning the channel, going to another station with a different sound, change the conversation, and put that memory we’re toying with, away replacing it with a happier one. All these actions will help us break what’s going on and always, without fail, we can draw from one of God’s promises that fit the moment and be uplifted and encouraged. 

God knows that “little bit of yeast” can do a lot of damage, but we can stop it before it spreads any farther than it has.  

God, thank you for tools to use and being able to have control over our thoughts and emotions. 

 Read Psalm 7:11, 14-17 

Do the activities of the wicked cause you to lose sleep or become anxious? When we get wind of others trying to harm us, or even harm those we love, we can feel not only anger but righteous indignation which can bring on thoughts of how we intervene or how we will get them back.

David received a letter from Cush, who, apparently was an ally of Saul. Explaining how they were going to take David down. David did what he knew was the best response, first he prayed to God because he knew God was his avenger. Once David prayed, he could be at peace in his soul and mind. He knew God would deal with his enemies and no matter what they plotted against him; they should be prepared to fall into the pit they were digging for David. 

God wants to save us the weight of worry and fretting. God promises to not only watch over us, but to take care of our enemies. God is faithful and a righteous God. There is no part of our life God does not see or make plans. 

Children of the world have one way of dealing with their enemies and God’s children have another. Children of the world say, “take steps to avenge yourself,” and God says let me take care of them I’ve got it covered. 

Children of the world stay up at night, pace the floor, worry themselves into heart attacks and strokes, God’s children can enjoy peace of mind and heart knowing God will take care of their enemies.  

Father in Heaven,

At times, my first instinct is to repay evil for evil, to fret and lose sleep. Thank You for this reminder that You are not only on the throne in heaven but actively defending me against my enemies. Your protection and that You are a righteous judge and God allows me to have peace in my soul and peace of mind. Amen   

 Read Psalm 6:1-10

David was anguishing over a sin to the point of becoming physically ill. He was broken, felt weighed down, being beaten up by his conscience and was praying to God for deliverance. 

The godly around him were no help since they were telling him there was no forgiveness for his sin. There accusations and withholding the grace of God only made things worse. 

There are always plenty of saints around to help the devil condemn and accuse us. To say how God will not hear our prayer or forgive us when we are languishing over our sin. Who come to beat down the afflicted even more so. They persecute us so much we question our eternity. They are serving the kingdom of Satan and not of God and heaven. 

It’s not so important to know what David’s sin was, but it is important to keep reading the psalm and see God did hear David’s prayer. He did answer David and He was merciful and restoring.

We’re blessed that David also journaled God’s response and put his enemies to shame. Since they saw God restore His servant they were the ones with holy egg on their face!     

God, grant us steadfast and unwavering faith, so, regardless of what others tell us when we are languishing over sin that we will know without a doubt You are a forgiving, merciful, restoring God and instead of being at a distance we can come close and experience Your mercy and love which brings and gives peace of mind and heart. Amen

Read Psalm 4:1

We might like the look of distressed clothing and purposely purchase something that is distressed, like a piece of furniture. They add a certain style and look to our home or room. But no one likes to be in emotional distress.

The definition of distress is being in or experiencing extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. Experiencing agony, torment or feeling anguished. 

No one must wonder if they have ever felt distressed. If you’ve been in or felt distressed, you know it! 

What a wonderful, comforting promise of God to give us relief when we are in distress. When we are distressed, we can call on God and He will hear our prayers; He will answer us. 

God is a gracious God and a tender-hearted Father who does not like to see His children suffer nor be under the heavy wight of distress. Don’t stay silent in distress. Call out to God. He will hear and He will answer your prayers for help and relief.      

Dear God, You bring me so much comfort. You do not put more on me but come to take the heavy weight of distress from me. Thank You for being with me and hearing me when I call out to You in distress. Amen  

 Read Psalm 2:12

Reading Psalm and focusing on the very last sentence we read God’s comforting promise that He blesses everyone who seeks refuge in Him.

Can you imagine someone from a war-torn country or living in a country where gang violence is so bad they cannot even leave their home for fear of being harmed traveling, hoping to be welcomed and embraced by a neighboring country where they can feel safe and be protected from danger? What peace of mind that would bring!

God wants to give everyone seeking refuge from the storms of life, that kind of peace. Peace in knowing whatever brings us to his doorstep, whatever has caused our seeking Him, whatever we are running from He will receive us; no questions asked. No red tape or paperwork to sort through or wait on. 

If we come today, God will take us in, today. That’s good news! But there is more! God will not only take us in He will bless us with everything that is part of Him. He will supply all our needs, protect us, defend us, heal us, teach us, give us wisdom, and lead us. 

Those who seek God will have an internal peace that is indescribable.

Heavenly Father, sometimes we need shelter from the stormy places in this world. Sometimes we pray to be welcomed into places that provide protection, where we can feel safe. Sometimes we are welcomed and sometimes not. But there is never a time we seek refuge in You that we are turned away. Thank you for taking us in and for promising to bless all who seek refuge in You. Amen      

  Read Psalm 94:1-19

What a comforting word David wrote in Psalm 94. David reminds us of when the cares of our heart increase so do the consolations and comforts of God! 

God has a knack for knowing how to say the right things at just the right time! When we are struggling on any level God has a way of reminding us of and pointing us back to where we should be. 

When we become too focused on our problems, spend too much time thinking about what we can’t do, or do see as possible from our point of view, God has a way of bringing and putting things back into their correct position or order. 

It’s good to be reminded that just as our worries are increasing so are God’s assurances. God will counter each worry because he doesn’t want us worrying over or about anything. 

In fact, we are to become so confident, not in our own strength, wisdom, or provision, but in the strength, wisdom, and provision of God whenever a worry thought enters, we dismiss it right away because we know God is going to take care of us. He has promised and He will do it.   

Father God, help me conquer worry. As You bring me consolations from heaven retrain my thoughts so I will never worry but only trust in You. Amen 

 Read Psalm 1:1-3

What brings you peace of mind? There are many ways in this world to get peace of mind and have peace in your soul. Of course, they are all short-lived. Contingent upon things being in place, or in order and going well. Seeing our ban account is not in the negative or growing can bring peace, until it isn’t either of those things. Knowing we are in good health brings peace, until we become ill or something is going on in our bodies the doctors can’t solve or determine. Having good relationships with others can bring peace, until something happens, and we are at odds or experiencing upheavals.  

God promises one way to have lasting inner peace and flourish is to love his law and to follow his ways. Putting God first, maintaining a healthy relationship with God and embracing even God’s law as good for us brings peace that lasts, peace that outlasts all other peace. This is the life God promises to bless and prosper and that brings peace that surpasses all human understanding!

Father God, teach me to enjoy Your laws and not see them as hindering or restrictive, but know they are for my good and Your glory and will cause me to be at peace with You and myself. Amen   

 Read Isaiah 43:1-3

It could be so easy to get lost in our troubles. Overwhelmed by the trials, suffering, and challenges that come into our life and environment. So easy to forget who God is and who we are. Valleys and mountains have a way of doing that; making us forget in the moment. 

What a powerful promise God makes to us. It’s one we should post all over our home and keep tucked in our pocket or handbag. No matter what waters you pass through or how high they are, no matter how hot the flames of your circumstances become God is going to hold onto you and as long as you hold onto him, you’ll be just fine; better than that, you’ll be victorious!

Father, may I not lose sight of this timeless promise as I face the challenges of this life. I have no need to fear, no need to panic. I can have peace in my heart and maintain peace of mind! Amen         

 Read Psalm 121

Is the end of the year a reflective time for you? Did you begin the year with inner peace and over time your peace dissipated or, did you begin the year feeling troubled in your spirit, unable to experience the peace the Bible talks about? Whether you began this year with peace and lost it along the way under the weight of trials and troubles, God wants to make sure you have peace as you close out this year and begin a new one. 

Two things David learned to do to have inner peace: he learned to lift his eyes from the earth and look up to God. He learned to recall that God never sleeps, that God was his keeper, and that God was always protecting him from evil. David let his soul be comforted by remembering what god could do and who God was.

With a focus on God our troubles and worries can be put in the proper perspective. Faith in God does not make troubles, problems, disappear but it helps us know there are no troubles or problems bigger than God. God has an answer to everyone one of our questions and a solution to every one of our troubles and problems. With our eyes fixed on God above the troubles and trials we experience here below don’t get to be too much for us, they cannot steal or determine our inner peace.

Father, let my eyes stay fixed on you so no matter what I face I always have inner peace! Amen     

 Read I Chronicles 16:29

The name of God is due an abundance of glory; more than we could ever offer. But we can bring an offering of worship that is unique to ourselves, and the way God made us. 

On that night outside of Bethlehem, the angels that appeared in the fields inspired the shepherds with their praise and worship. They led the shepherds in worshiping the Savior. But the shepherds were inspired to give their own worship so they hurried to Bethlehem to see and worship the Christ for themselves. They wanted to worship in the presence of the Lord, personally. Afterward the shepherds spread the news of what they had heard and seen which led others to worship the Christ for themselves.

When we bring an offering of personal worship and praise, we will receive the blessing of peace in our soul. In the Lord’s presence there is peace and joy. That peace and joy is contagious!

Jesus, I come to worship and glorify you. Fill me with your peace and joy! Amen   

Read Isaiah 40:1-2

There are people who have the ability to use their words in a such a way that a senses of comfort and peace is felt. Then there are those who have a knack for making others feel unsettled, guilty, ashamed, even angry and agitated. 

The prophet Isaiah said God was going to speak tenderly to his people. He was going to share a word that let them know their warfare was over. That word would bring comfort and give hope to weary and worn people. 

As God looks at your weariness and sees how you are worn out, he brings a word of comfort to you; he speaks tenderly. He does not aim to break you or put out your last bit of hope, but he knows the right word to minister to your heart and soul; to put your mind at ease.

Learn to distinguish the voice of the Holy One calling out to you in your deserts and the voice of the wicked one badgering and accusing as you are in your wilderness or season of pain.

Still today, God comes to comfort and speak tenderly. His character and nature have not changed throughout the ages; neither has the voice of the devil whose purpose remains the same: to kill, steal and destroy. 

Thank the Lord Jesus voice hasn’t changed either. He comes to give you life and give it abundantly that’s why he will speak comfort and tenderly.    

Thank You God for speaking tenderly and comforting those in distress. Amen    

 Read Isaiah 7:14

There was a time my husband and I were not in the same city as our adult children and their families. Times they were facing difficulty, going through a life crisis and we could not be with them physically. Yet, they knew we were with them through our prayers, thoughts, and words of encouragement, giving whatever support we could give from a distance. That was helpful to them and encouraged them to face whatever it was. 

Our support, and knowing we were with them even in spirit was important but what was even more important was knowing that God was with them; even closer than we could be even if we had been physically present during their ordeal or trial.

Isaiah wrote, the virgin would conceive and bear a son, his name would be Immanuel. Immanuel, translated means “God with us.” If there is any consolation during difficulty or hard times it’s knowing we have Immanuel, God with us. God does not stay far away and he is never removed from our situations and circumstances. He comes close.

No mater what we face or how difficult or challenging life becomes we can count on Immanuel; God with us, to be right by our side. Because God is with us, we have spiritual guidance, wisdom, understanding, strength, supernatural help, and we have divine peace to fill us.

Jesus, thank you for coming to be close to us. When we face hard times, we are never alone but you are with us. First in the flesh and now through the Holy Spirit. Amen  

Read 2 Corinthians 2:10

It’s a paradox but it’s true. When you are weak you are also strong that’s because God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness because God is your life, and you find your rest and peace in him. When you know that God’s loving arms are around you and that God has you in his care, has gone before you and is also behind you, you can have a sense of peace, you can be buoyed in your spirit, soul, and body. That is why even when you are weak you are also strong!

Dear God, thank you for giving me perfect strength even in weakness. Amen      

 Read Isaiah 12:1-6

During Isaiah’s time and even in certain regions today wells are an important resource. Providing water for drinking, bathing, cooking, watering crops. When people go to the well, they expect to lower the bucket and pull up the water they need. 

God reminds us through the prophet Isaiah he is our “well of salvation” and we can draw water from him. When we start to feel depleted, frustrated, and desperate during times of trouble it’s good to ask ourselves if we are drawing from our own limited resources which quickly run out, dry up and become depleted, or from God’s endless well. We’ll know the difference: God has an endless supply of strength, hope, wisdom, encouragement, courage, forgiveness, and peace. This is how we know we are drawing from God and not from ourselves.     

Dear Lord, thank you for letting me draw from your well! Amen

Jesus, let the fruit I bear be integrity and let the fruit of integrity bless my life, my relationships, my finances, my work. Amen            

Read Matthew 7:16-20

There are times when we lack peace of mind or peace in our inner being because of the way we are operating or living life. One sure way to have peace in our inner being is to make sure we are bearing the fruit of integrity even when it’s hard to have integrity. If truthfulness, honesty and integrity has been one of our core values all along, but in certain situations or under certain conditions we are not leading by this principle we will not have much peace. Growing up, my mother always said she could back us up one hundred percent, as long as we were telling the truth. It’s the same thing we raised our own children with and it’s the same thing God says to us. Life can get sticky and sometimes it will seem easier if we just go with the lie, operate in the gray area, be as evasive as possible, but we may have to be okay to lack the peace of God if we take that route. The only sure way to have and keep peace is to have and keep integrity as the principle we live by. Integrity will help us sleep better and live without the burden of worry. 

Jesus, let the fruit I bear be integrity and let the fruit of integrity bless my life, my relationships, my finances, my work. Amen            

 Read Psalm 43:1-5

David asked himself a pertinent question. It’s as though he was examining his own spirit. Asking himself what he had to be so discouraged about, why all the depression and hopelessness. After all, wasn’t God still on the throne? Wasn’t God still his defender against evil and ungodly people, his vindicator, the one in whom he could take refuge? His enemies may have been oppressing him but God was still powerful and almighty.

Thank goodness for the ministry of the Holy Spirit especially on our worst days and seasons! Instead of allowing us to wallow in our sadness, depression, or feelings of forlorn and defeat the spirit comes to shed some light and lead us into the path of truth; he brings us to the foot of God’s holy hill. The Spirit does not discount that the situation may be bad or difficult and challenging, we already know that, but he comes to point us to God and remind us of what’s true.

Just as David experienced a much-needed turnaround in his thinking and emotions we can experience it also. David’s soul could not resist the comfort the Spirit brought to mind. He did not reject the spirit’s guidance and felt his soul open up. Instead of feeding his despair he let the Spirit relieve his inner turmoil. He trusted and knew from the past he would praise God again; he would be participating in worship again, he would be playing his lyre again. The thought of what was to come because God promised it, lifted David’s spirits, and can lift ours also. Instead of dwelling in darkness we can rise to the heights of heaven. 

Gracious Lord, thank you for the ministry of the holy spirit who comes at just the right time to give me that much needed holy pep talk! He faithfully lifts me from darkness, hopelessness and despair and leads me to the foot of your holy hill where there is strength of heart, joy, and peace of mind. Amen             

 Read Galatians 1:6-9

Paul and his co-workers had no sooner left the believers in Galatia when false teachers came in to persuade the people about a different gospel. Instead of preaching and teaching salvation is by the grace of God, the false teachers told the people they needed to do good works and believe in human traditions in order to go to heaven. Unfortunately, some of the new Christians were swayed from the real and true gospel. Paul wrote a strong letter to remind all believers we must hold on to what is true and never let go of it no matter who or what comes to steal us away.

It is only by the grace of God and the living Word which is Jesus that we can experience and maintain peace of mind as we live in a world where peace is nonexistent and outbreaks of violence, dangers, hatred, lawlessness, and corruption are more and more becoming the norm. Any other gospel (which there really isn’t) will not give us the peace of mind or the assurance we need to keep our mind and heart in a balanced and hopeful place. 

When we are absent of God’s peace, we should ask ourselves if we are hanging onto the one true gospel we have learned, the gospel that is full of grace and truth, or, have we been persuaded over time to believe as the world does: that there is no hope and no chance of change, no solutions to life’s problems, and nowhere to go except the grave once this life is over. Everything the world offers leads to despair and hopelessness only the true gospel of Christ leads to peace, keeps us hopeful and full of peace. 

Gracious Lord Jesus, help us to guard and hold onto the purity and truth of your word by returning to and meditating on it daily so we are kept in the place of peace and hope. Amen 

 Read Philippians 4:10-13

When life’s pendulum is swinging wide, going from having everything to having nothing, back and forth, that can be a hard place to be at peace, a hard place to hold onto the promises of God and trusting that life will somehow smooth out. 

The apostle Paul knew those times very well. Since becoming a Christian and serving he Lord faithfully, his life had been filled with ups and downs, hard times and good times, times where he had plenty and times where he had nothing. Yet, he managed to maintain peace of mind and strength of heart. What was Paul’s secret? Paul said it was Jesus. He had discovered that Jesus was the one who kept him steady, balanced, hopeful, and encouraged no matter what life was throwing at him. If Jesus was Paul’s peace; the secret Paul learned then He will be that same presence for us today. Jesus does not change he has promised to be the same way back when Paul was alive on earth, and even before that, from the beginning of time, He is the same presently and He will be the same in our tomorrows and long past the time we are no longer here.

The times may get unpredictable. The pendulum of circumstances may swing wide but Jesus is with us all the way. We don’t need the pendulum to be in the middle or balanced in order to have peace, Jesus is not only I the middle he is at both ends so no matter where life is taking us He is not only with us but has gone ahead of us and waiting on us there. 

Jesus thank you for being my peace no matter how wide the pendulum of life is swinging I can still hold Your hand and I am not afraid. Amen                  

 Read Psalm 103:19

Can you think of any better way to secure and enjoy peace than turning your thoughts and putting your focus on the truth that God is still and always in control? Even when things in this world, in the nation, in our government, in our workplaces, in our communities, in our relationships, families and look bad, hopeless, beyond repair, remembering that God is in control can help us have a peace of mind and let go of our fears and anxiety. Can introduce peace into atmospheres where peace is nonexistent.  

As I was doing some work in my flower bed, I could hear the couple across the street get into a heated argument. Initially I kept working though I was aware of their heightened, heated interaction, and then I remembered to stop and pray for them. Clearly they needed to have peace between them as they were fighting over money matters. Within minutes of praying for them I heard silence and several minutes later I heard what sounded like laughter. From where I stood I sensed the Lord’s peace had come into their situation and atmosphere. I gave God credit and praised Him for entering their home with His Spirit of peace. 

We cannot have peace without the presence of God and as quickly as we remember He is the one in control and has the power to enter in where we cannot, we can experience and enjoy His peace.

Lord, our peace. Let Your peace reign where peace is missing. Let us put our thoughts back on you when peace is gone and let us turn to You when peace is needed. Amen            

 Read Isaiah 26:3

We would be surprised the number of thoughts that go through our mind each day; they are in the thousands. The brain is always busy. Even at night our minds can be busy thinking, pondering. During the day we are bombarded with messages from all angles. Because the busyness of the world is ever increasing, in addition to the things we face personally and individually, its nearly impossible to have peace of mind. God guarantees one way we can enjoy any consistency of peace and that is by keeping our mind stayed on Him. When our thoughts trail off and go down the path of worry about tomorrow, the unknown, or even the things that are known to us, placing our mind back on God is key to having peace of mind. When worry and fear start creeping in, forcefully putting and directing our thoughts back to God’s promises will bring us back into that place where inner peace resides. Because we are filled with the Spirit of God we also have the peace of God within us. At times, the peace of God can become buried under the rubble of earthly troubles, trials, challenges, problems but we hold the key to releasing God’s peace within all we need to do is put our mind back on everything we know about God, directing our mind, like a parent steers their young child away from danger, to the higher ground or safer path where it’s more peaceful and assuring. Remembering that God is faithful, steadfast, trustworthy, loving, forgiving, a supplier of all our needs, a Strong Tower, healing, and all-powerful can take the place of worry and help us be filled with peace.

O Lord, when I am all over the place in my thoughts put my mind back to where it belongs: on You! Amen                

Read Psalm 138:1-8

Here is a sure way to get through troubles, trials, dark times, and adversity: open your heart and soul to God and let Him come in to strengthen you. God made us so He doesn’t need permission to gain access to us, however God does not overstep our free will. He chooses not to force His way int our life though He could. It’s been said as powerful as the Holy Spirit is, He is quite the Gentleman!

When we are troubled with anything and need peace of mind God makes Himself available to us. Holds our His hand to us. Knocks on the door of our heart. Whispers to us. Sends strong hints and direct messages through others but we don’t have to accept His invitation or reach out to hold his extended hand. We can choose—if we like—to keep going in the direction we are going or doing what we’ve been doing all along. And as we are going and doing what we want Jesus is interceding for us as He sits at the right hand of the Father.

Great news! When we accept God’s outstretched hand, when we open our heart to Him, share our troubles and life with Him, when we reach out to Him in prayer, tell Him all about our troubles, He will give us and increase our strength of soul. 

God knows when we have “strength of soul” we can make it through our trials. We can push forward. We can endure. We can patiently and confidently wait on Him. And now that we know strength of soul is something God will give us as we pray to Him during trials we can come right out and ask for it! He won‘t turn us down or away.

O God, on the day we call to You, our strength of soul You increase! Thank you for this precious gift that cannot be bought or found in the world, it only comes from You and You share it with us. Amen   

  Read Psalm 118:5-9

If you are aspiring to have peace of mind, then you are in good company. Having peace of mind is a pursuit that untold numbers seek every day. It’s not farfetched to say while you are at work, at school, at the local gym, in the fast-food line, checking out at the supermarket, pumping gas, or even attending in-person worship you are standing or sitting not more than a few feet or inches from someone who is also desiring to have peace of mind. It seems peace of mind is quite elusive and slippery. You have peace and then you don’t  

Some people find their peace by knowing they have enough money in the bank to cover their needs. Others find peace by knowing their health is good and they are doing everything recommended to keep it that way. Some find their peace in relationship with others. What brings you peace of mind? The Scriptures point out that it’s better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man or ourselves. God is the only One who can help us in trouble and the help of humans is futile in so many areas of life.

Peace of mind does not have to evade us. Our search and pursuit of peace can begin and end with the Lord. Because we know God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present, the One who never leaves nor forsakes us and is faithful to the end we can put all things into his hands and receive from Him the peace He provides and extends to us.    

Father, in the past peace may have been elusive and I was just like so many others in search of peace, but today I know where my peace of mind is, it’s with You. My search for peace begins and ends at your heart. Amen      

 Read Psalm 63

Psalm 63 was written when David was seeking refuge during his son Absalom’s rebellion. David was older. He had a quiet confidence, not his youthful storm-trooper mentality. David’s actions closely paralleled his beliefs during those turbulent years. His hiding from his enemies in the wilderness of Judah didn’t mean he could not win against them or take them out it meant he didn’t want to fight them or take them out. David was lonely. He longed for a friend he could trust and ease for his loneliness. David looked for peace of mind and he turned to the right One. He poured out his heart to the One who would not only hear but bring the ease he longed for. David turned to God. If you are lonely, needing refuge from the storms of life, confused, weary or fighting battles, or thirsty for something in your life remember David’s prayer. God alone can satisfy your deepest needs and longings. The peace of mind you seek is with God.

Father, thank You for being, not just my problem solver or a listening ear, but my destination. Amen  

 Read Philippians 4:6-7

I received an email offer for an anti-anxiety or fidgeting ring. My initial reaction was to hit delete but instead I filed it in my folder for a closer look at a later date. The rings pictured and their purpose brought back a childhood memory of my mother and the way she would often fidget with her ring. Perhaps she was finding some comfort I the feel of it. Today I understand her fidgeting with it could have been more than a nervous habit, it could have been her way of self-soothing or relieving anxiety and stress. 

Anxiety can wreak havoc on our ability to experience and maintain inner peace. Anxiety is a peace-stealer and a mental and emotional drain. So much of God’s Word focuses on leading us to have peace because so much about life and the problems that come with earthly living can separate us from the peace of God within us.

Whether you use an external device such as an anti-anxiety ring or one of the many aroma therapies that can be helpful for anxiety and stress, be sure to include time with God in prayer and meditating on His word and promises to help. As you work on keeping your anxiety down to a manageable level adding another layer can’t hurt. 

Lord, thank You for so many things that can help keep anxiety down and for Your Word and promises which can alleviate it altogether. Amen    

 Read Ephesians 6:10-18

If you’ve ever had pain in your Achilles heel and suffered with tendinitis in that area then you know how painful it can be. I used to have trouble with my Achilles heel from time to time. I haven’t in quite some time. It seemed as quickly as it came on, it stopped. But when I did have it, it was hard to do anything. I couldn’t walk, I had to wrap my foot and avoid being barefooted.  

It's been said that Satan loves to attack the mind. The mind seems to be the vulnerable place, the place where the battles take place because Satan wants to control and take over. He knows if he can command our thoughts he can control not only our mood, but our actions, our outlook, and our day. 

During stressful times or when we are going through problems or trials the need to cover our mind increases. Knowing that the entry point of the devil and Satan wants to possess and control us from there all the more important to keep our mind in the right place.

Paul wrote that we should put on the full armor of God. Protecting every vital spiritual organ, we have. Covering and protecting our mind and our heart so Satan and the devil do not have an entry point. One way we can put on the full armor is by saturating our mind with the Word of God and planting the promises of God deeply within our heart. The Word and promises of God will give us the needed protection and when our mind wanders it will wander into the field of God’s promises instead of the land mine of the enemy.  Being covered in and full of the Word of God will give us the peace we need so we can rest, make good decisions and wait on the Lord to calm our storms.        

 Read Matthew 14:7-19

Some of my most vivid memories from childhood include snippets of my mother sitting at the table with small stacks of money in front of her; usually with her head in her hand. Each small pile needed to go toward something and none of it was mad-money or uncommitted. As an adult I learned her position was one of worry and stress. She was a single-parent most of my growing up and she must have had a lot of money stress and worries! How was she going to put food on the table, keep a roof over our heads, clothe us, etc. 

The things that worry us or cause us to be absent of peace can be a long list. You don’t have to be a single parent trying to make ends meet, you could be a young college student trying to complete your program, a husband and father trying to provide for your family, a senior trying to manage your household on a limited income… Whatever and regardless of your circumstances money worries can drain you and if they are severe enough strip your of hope of joy for living. 

God wants to be your shelter in financial distress. He wants you to know you are not alone and certainly to encourage you to hang on and seek good financial counsel so you can have help to make the best financial decisions for yourself and or your family. More than anything he wants to encourage you to bring your “little” to him. He can take your “little” and make it stretch. He can make your “little” more than enough.  

Lord, I have so many worries and when I worry about my finances; what I have and don’t have and will I have enough, it’s sometimes more than I can take. Today I bring you my little and ask you to…  

 Read Psalm 103:6-19

David brought out some facts and truths about God in Psalm 103 we cannot ignore. Beginning with verse 6 David reminds, 

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. All the way back to sending Moses to extradite the Israelites from slavery God acts on behalf of his children.

God is merciful and kind; he always shows mercy and kindness toward us. 

God does not become angry quickly. He is not like humans who have a difficult time controlling their anger or flying off the handle. 

Unlike our inner thoughts that beat us up constantly or like the devil who nags us with accusation day and night, God has great love for his creation and will not accuse us forever.

God gets over his anger quickly. Unlike those who can hold a grudge forever and ever.

God does not punish us as we deserve or make us repay the evil, we have done toward him or others.

God’s love for us is as high as the skies above the earth and his love is great for those who have respect for his power.

God has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west and has had mercy on those who have respect for him just as a father has mercy on his children. 

God has established his throne in the heavens and his kingdom rules over all.

Examining the truth and facts about the way God deals with us can bring us the peace of mind we need, knowing God is not looking to harm us but does everything to make sure we have what we need and know how much he loves us and wants us to be with him for all eternity. 

Lord, sometimes in living my life I get overwhelmed by the things I have done and feel cut off from you. Thank you for making sure I know how much you love me and are not looking to punish me for the things I do. Forgive my sins and keep me close to you, God. Amen 

 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling…and they woke him and said, “Teacher do you not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:37,38

It’s been said if we can keep our head when all around others are losing theirs, that’s a good thing. Having a level head during a storm is helpful and can keep us from drowning or being washed away. Staying calm in a storm is an ability not everyone has. Some people panic. Others lose their patience, some become frightened and cannot think straight. I’m more of a calm person. I may react later when everything is under control, but at that moment, I’m not going to panic. This is a blessing I thank God for. The disciples were panicking. Jesus needed to calm the storm and bring a sense of calmness back into the picture. He asked them about their faith. We might ask ourselves about our faith in those moments also. storms are a good time to take a spiritual assessment: are we calm? Are we trusting God to bring us through? Are we trusting that God has everything under control, even if things look bad? Are we certain the Lord has authority over everything including our spiritual storms?  Storms can test our faith in the Lord. and they can expose the places we are weak or need shoring up. But, just like the disciples had no need to panic—after all Jesus was in the boat with them—we don’t need to panic either!    

Jesus, sometimes my lifeboat is being tossed all around and the waves of crisis, trials and tribulations are hitting against me and sometimes I am panicking. Grow my faith and help me to be still; to be at peace. After all, you are in the boat with me. Amen 

Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost arts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me—Psalm 139:7-10

Could there be a more comforting promise than this? David wasn’t trying to get away from God, nor actively looking for a place to be where God wasn’t. David was emphasizing God was everywhere and there was no place God wasn’t. 

No matter how defeated, alone, weary, depleted, lost, or burdened you feel God is with you. He’s there in the joys and easier times of life and He’s still with you in the darker times. There is no time God is not with you and no place God is not present.   

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me there is nowhere I can go, no state of mind I can be in that you are not right beside me!   

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.—Psalm 73:26

The psalmist wrote honestly about his struggles. He had struggled with doubt, with faith and times of hopelessness and despair as he looked at the activities of the wicked and arrogant. Though Asaph lived centuries ago we’re not unlike him. We struggle with some of the very same things and our emotional, mental, soul, and spiritual struggles put us in the same place as Asaph’s put him: being disappointed, disillusioned, driven to despair and feeling hopeless. As the girls sang in the Broadway musical, Annie, it’s a hard knock life for us! And we are so often let down and depleted on so many levels and depths.   

Staying close to God ended up being the solution and remedy for Asaph to be rid of his inner struggles and it’s the same for us today. God gives us strength of heart to face this life and the tough things we experience. God is our refuge from the storms of life. He does not add to our problems but comes to show us the way and to ease our burdens.   

Struggle does not have to be the end of us. It does not have to ruin us for life or steal our joy or happiness. But recognizing the faithfulness and promises of God are efficacious today, we can have renewed faith, which bring us into a new time of rejoicing and relief. Asaph found that being close to God—who was his refuge—was the answer to all his heart and soul maladies and struggles. Staying close to God is the answer to all our struggles also.  

Dear God, thank you for being the strength of my heart. You renew me so I can keep going and even enjoy the life you have blessed me to have…  

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small--Proverbs 24:10   

Dear Lord, I will not faint in the day of adversity, but I will endure to the end. I am filled with gratitude and glad to confirm Your Word over myself and my circumstances, so I say it again that I will not faint in the day, nor season of adversity but I will endure to the end. 

I release all doubt and discouraging self-talk that has been spoken to me or I have spoken over myself that says otherwise, and I affirm and participate in the dynamic ministry or positive, biblical affirmation and truths which empower me for living an abundant, victorious, overcoming life in Christ Jesus. 

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me I am not weak in my faith, I am not confused in my thoughts, but I am a spiritual reservoir and a flowing fountain of living, life-giving faith and I can stand straight and strong and I certainly will not faint because You strength and uphold me. In Jesus’ name. Amen  

 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. –I Corinthians 1:7

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget you possess a set of spiritual tools that will get you through the tough times of life. Your patience is short, your gentleness is missing, your joy has left, your peace is gone; your strength is gone. But you have all these things inside you, because the Holy Spirit of God is within you. The Lord has not left you even when you cannot feel Him. And His attributes, gifts, and qualities are with you all the time. 

Through the power and presence of God’s Spirit you can release past tendencies of feeling helpless, lacking in skills that you need, becoming distressed in your spirit, without hope and confused. Instead, you can be strengthened to know you can participate in bringing about your spiritual destiny and outcome by operating in the strength and tools that are within you through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

God opens doors, Jesus clears your path, the Holy Spirit guides you on the way to go, you are to walk through the doors with confidence of faith, trusting in God. God wants you to affirm the skills He has given you daily. Use His Word to remind yourself what you have and possess because He is with you and will not leave you in a lurch. Knowing God has empowered and amply supplied you can help you have that peace of mind and strength of heart that is needed in your circumstances.

Lord, I release any past tendency to feel helpless or that I lack the skills, knowledge or strength needed, but I will trust in You. You have given me everything I need to act and react in faith and I am able to live with strength of heart… 

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.—Matthew 6:34 

Each day has enough opportunities for worry. We don’t need to ”borrow” worry nor worry twice. Like God fed the Israelites in the desert with manna from heaven, sent it daily from heaven, God will supply our needs also. We are to take one-day-at-a-time. That is how God did even at creation. He did not start creating on Monday and find himself worried over what He would create on Friday. It is how He does to this day. 

Worry is a peace-stealer. The world worries but we can confidently pray, knowing God will supply our needs. From the big things we need all the way down to the crumbs we need to eat. When we live under God’s perfect, instinctive care we can also enjoy peace of mind and heart. We can enjoy our blessing sent from heaven today because we know God will send another tomorrow or whenever another one is needed.

As the prophet Jeremiah wrote God’s mercies are new each day! (Lam. 3:22)  

Dear Lord, sometimes I worry about tomorrow and beyond that. Help me to reel my thoughts in and keep worry from stealing my peace of mind! 

As soon as Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry and said to his father, “bless me, even me also, O my father!”...Then he said have you not reserved a blessing for me…Esau said to his father, “Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father.” –Genesis 27:34,36,38 ESV

Knowing God wants to bless you can bring peace of mind. God doesn’t have just one blessing to give or send. He can bless more than one person at a time. He can bless anyone and everyone, including you. 

When we are experiencing difficult times in life we don’t have feel we will never experience the blessings of relief in our future. As surely as you may be suffering through something God has a blessing in store for you. All god wants you to do is keep praying, keep trusting and believing in him, keep looking to heaven for your answers because the world doesn’t have what you need, keep knowing your blessing is not far off and can never be given away to someone else by mistake. God has a blessing for you!

Dear God, when we experience difficulties and trials its hard to believe and hold onto the truth that there is relief or a blessing for us. Thank you for this reminder! Amen          

A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness but a crushed spirit, who can bear? –Proverbs 18:14

Humankind can bear up under a lot of things. We can take-a-licking-and-keep-on-  ticking! Solomon said we can even handle the severity of illness because our spirit of life sustains us. But who can bear up under or endure when their spirit is crushed?

Have you ever heard anyone say this—or maybe you have at times—“I was crushed!” when we are crushed in spirit we might experience depression, low-self-esteem, emotional instability, being mentally and emotionally drained or fatigued. That response or feeling is usually brought on by something that was traumatic or devastating to us and we feel we cannot bear it. 

I can think of a few times in life I’ve felt crushed in my spirit. I can also remember it took some doing and crying out to God in fervent prayer, patience with myself, focusing on the blessings and little joys in life and trusting God to heal me to get back to a place where I had strength not only to press forward but the will to go on in life.

It’s not uncommon for humans to collapse emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually under the weight of life but God is faithful and when we put our hand in his; when we keep our hand in his he will sustain us. When we are without peace of mind he will settle it back into us.

As long as our spirit is crushed, we cannot have peace of mind. But the spirit that is sustained by God has more than a chance or being restored, it has every chance of being restored and renewed. Because God sustains us, we can press through and keep on living with hope and even experience joy. 

Lord, when life is just too much to bear, I pray sustain me in my flagging spirit and mind and bless me with the steadying presence of peace of mind only you can give. Amen    

I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit. –Ephesians 3:16 

Are there things in your home life that are creating stress or causing you to be distressed and despair? Are family relationships strained? Are the tensions between you or others so thick you could cut it with a knife? Are you stressed to the point that it interferes with your day or work? Does your stress keep you from being productive? Maybe you have something going on with your health. Or maybe it’s a close family member who is suffering in their body. Maybe your finances are tight to the point where you don’t know how things are going to be paid. So many problems could cause a lot of stress and make us feel burdened down on the inside.

The rigors of daily life can be stressful. Problems don’t just touch the lives of unbelievers; they touch the lives of people who have faith in the Lord. Sometimes it seems the more we put our faith in God the more our troubles seem to come. 

God won’t always lift our problems right away, but he will give us inner strength to stand up under them as he works them out. He will also give us the mind of Christ to be able to solve the things we can and a heart of faith to trust him with the things we can’t solve on our own. Christianity isn’t a cure-all for every problem but faith in God is the perfect answer for the stress we carry. We can give our life situations to God and as we pray, we will begin to experience his peace replace our panic.

Dear Lord, I pray for inner strength as I go through…

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” –I Kings 19:4-5 

The prophet Elijah was emotionally exhausted and by the time queen Jezebel threatened his life he had all he could handle. Her threat was like a feather on top of a load of bricks that sent everything crashing down. 

A recent story concerning yet another death at Niagara Falls. Thirty-three year old man who had gone over the falls, plunging 4,000 to his death. Reports say though the ratio of deaths in comparison to the number o visitors each year is low, still death by suicide is painful for those living. Those who need to carry on with life once their loved one is departed.

Most are afraid to bring up suicide yet it’s in the mind of many. Sometimes suicide seems like the only way out. God wants us to know suicide isn’t the only option. In fact, it’s not even the best option! Suicide means we have ruled out all other solutions to our problems. We have assumed there is no other way to fix or resolve our situations. When we take the path of suicide, we decide to cut our story short and discount God’s power, forgetting that there is nothing so broken God cannot fix it. Nothing so crooked God can’t straighten it out. Nothing so sinful God cannot forgive it. 

As you continue reading Elijah’s story in I Kings, you see how God entered the picture to counsel his servant and give him a different perspective. God came to refresh him and make sure he was strengthened to continue forward. Before suicide becomes that option we start to make plans for, it’s good to bring someone else in and talk the matter out with them. 

Emotional distress that leads to suicidal thoughts is not the best time to rely upon our own, singular counsel. We are not the best ones to see the light at the end of the tunnel or the solution that’s hidden underneath our pain.

Lord, I’ve been thinking about suicide as my only option. I pray for your strength to reach out and share my thoughts with a trusted counselor. Someone who can help me see another side of things and options that are hidden from me. Thank you for wanting to save my life and let me live to see the rest of my story…              

  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen—Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV

Can you imagine how much peace you will have in your mind, heart and spirit knowing God gives and blesses with abundance, not stingily or sparingly. God is not limited, nor does he want us to ask him based upon human limits or expectations. When we ask God for something or have need of anything we should keep in mind the storehouse of heaven is not like going to Walmart or our local department store where the supply chain may have limited the things on the shelf. In a physical store some things may not be available to us, or shipment may not have reached the store yet and they are out of a product. But with heaven’s storehouse nothing is out of stock, there are no set limits, no shortages. God pours out and gives to his children generously and abundantly. 

My Father, you are rich in house and land and willing to share your abundance with me. Instead of worrying over anything let me secure the mindset where I ask and am confident you will supply it for me. Trusting in your promise of provision and provision gives me the peace of mind I long for. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law…if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit—Galatians 5:22-23, 25, ESV

When we are struggling emotionally, feeling anxious, worried, discouraged, downhearted, or defeated, the enemy would love to establish residency in our heart and mind. He knows we are vulnerable and takes seeks to take advantage of our weakness and vulnerability. If we give him even an inch in our heart or mind, he will be like an unwanted guest that will not leave.  

Your heart and mind are like a spiritual house and there is a battle going on for those spaces; they are like prime real estate and the devil wants to fill them up and take control. He wants to fill them with his attitude, his negativity and way of thinking. 

Jesus said Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44) so when you give the devil even the smallest amount of space you also make room for his personality and character of darkness. When he moves in, he comes, bags packed full of lies. 

The good news is that the Holy Spirit of God also wants to live in you and make your heart and mind His home. When He moves in He brings His qualities, character, personality, and attributes which are nothing like the devil’s. The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. 

The Word of God says dark, and light cannot dwell together (Read 2 Cor. 6:14-18). Your heart and mind will either be occupied by the darkness of the devil or the light of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is your protector and Friend during your most vulnerable times. When you invite Him in, He will give you the peace of mind you’ve been missing and longing for He will make sure your house is full of light and joy.

Jesus, let Your Holy Spirit fill each room in my spiritual house…

Let us fix our eye on Jesus, the 

Let us fix our eye on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith—Hebrews 12:2

If we let them, our problems can be the focus of our entire day. The first thing on our mind in the morning when we open our eyes, all we can think of throughout the day, and the last thing we think of before going to sleep—if we can manage to sleep. Problems and troubles have a way of squeezing everything else out. The writer of Hebrews reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of our faith.

When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are not think abstractly but intentionally focused on the Person of Jesus, his character, nature, qualities, power, and promises. Our problems can be large, they can be tremendous. We might look at them and see nothing except one jumbled mass, one tangled mess—something too complicated to sort out, but if we lay them next to Jesus, compare them to what he can do we will see our problems come into context and pale. 

When I was training the Altar Guild one of the things I impressed upon those who would care for it was, “Nothing should be higher or taller than the cross. The cross should always be the center and tallest fixture on the altar.” 

The writer says, when we fix our eyes on Jesus everything is reduced to the size it should be. Nothing, including our troubles, should be bigger than he is. Nothing should seem more powerful or beyond Jesus to solve or overcome. That is putting our problems in proper perspective and Jesus in his rightful place.

Jesus, every trouble we face—no matter how large or powerful—is reduced to size when we lay them next to you. When I am fretting or constantly worried about the issues or troubles I am faced with, knowing you are able, always bigger and more powerful than they, then I can have peace and rest. Amen             

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the old gives do I give to you.”—John 14:27

One of my favorite things to do at the end of the day is to take out my yarn and crochet hook and work on a prayer shawl. It’s especially relaxing and comforting to pray for the person I am making the shawl for, and I have a sense of excitement and pleasure knowing as soon as it is complete, I will deliver it in person or ship it off.

God is a gift-er too. He gifted us with His Son Jesus and hasn’t stopped showing up in our lives to gift us in other ways as well. God shows up when times are tough, when we’re on our sickbed, when we are experiencing loss, when we’re in pain, when we’re disappointed, when we’ve had a painful loss. He shows up whenever and however he wants, and he gifts us with himself. 

When the disciples felt lost and alone Jesus showed up in their locked room and gave them the gift of peace. What a wonderful, timely, perfect gift to give them since they were grieving, feeling anger, sorrow, fear, and every other emotion that fit their circumstances. Jesus assured them his gift of peace was not the same as the world gave peace which could be conditional, but his peace was not dependent upon their outer or external wellbeing but theirs at the most critical times of life, his peace could always remain with them.

Jesus is with you now to bring you his gift of peace. You can receive it and let his peace rule you internally which will transform your outer circumstances also. 

Jesus your gift of peace never runs out no matter how many are seeking or asking for peace your peace does not run out or weaken. I pray for your gift of peace    

 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, they have no wine. Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2:1-5, NKJV) 

We all have problems. If our problems are easily solvable, we are okay. We figure out the solution and keep moving but if they are complex and above our mental,  emotional, or financial grade then we might struggle with them to the point of experiencing mental unrest.

In the Bible we see many instances where problems arose. Abraham and Sarah had a problem. Sarah was unable to conceive and therefore she and Abraham couldn’t have children. They tried to solve their problem their way and do what was culturally acceptable by getting Sarah’s handmaid, Hagar to be the surrogate mother. They didn’t work out very well. Jealousy and resentment entered in and life was miserable for all three of them. God had a different way and approach to their problem of childlessness, and they had to do it his way in order to get the outcome he planned and provided.

Whether it’s a problem presented in the Old or New Testament God had an answer for it. And when we have problems today, we can remember we have a God who has the answer to our problem. He invites us to come to him and learn his answer and solutions. Although Abraham and Sarah tried to use the world’s way of solving their problem Mary went directly to Jesus. Both problems were solved by God just as our problems will be when we bring God in.

God wants you to have peace in your heart and mind. He does not want you struggling on your own to find solutions that come from the world’s playbook but entrust your problem to him. Jesus will either fix your problem without your assistance or tell you exactly what to do to solve it. Either way, he already has the answer. Just ask him.     

Jesus, I believe you can solve every problem that arises in my life. May I do just as your Mother Mary did and turn quickly to you because you’ll know exactly what to do. Amen

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power, his understanding is beyond measure (Psalm 147:5)

Some questions we get in our mind might be, “What does God look like?” When will Jesus return?” what did Jesus really look like physically? Everyone has different thoughts and views about many things about God. Most questions we have about God will not be answered until we get home to heaven. But there are some things God wants us to know about him so we can have needed peace of mind while we still live on earth. Especially concerning God’s character, nature, and qualities. When we know these we can have peace of mind no matter what is going on in our life or I the world around us. What qualities and characteristics of God brings peace of mind? 

Does knowing he is compassionate give you peace?

That he is a healer give you peace?

That he can deliver you from any trouble or danger give you peace?

That he is perfectly forgiving give you peace?

That god is forever faithful give you peace?

That he has set limits on trouble and trials bring you peace?

That he can still storms give you peace?

That he is All-powerful and sovereign give you peace?

That he is always working things out for your good and his glory give you peace?

Your peace of mind is important to God. The more you know about God’s character and nature the more you can be at peace. To settle in your heart and spirit that God is honors his promise to forgive you, love you unconditionally, protect you from harm, provide for you and bless you the more you can be at peace and not fret or stress. 

The more you know about the unchangeable qualities of God the more peace of mind will be yours regardless of the exterior circumstances of events. 

Lord God, let my mind be at peace as I rest in your qualities and nature which never change…   

  Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (I Timothy 6:6-8, ESV) 

If the devil can keep us from godliness and contentment, he can keep us from possessing the attitude and quality of inner peace and from gaining the joy of life that comes with contentment. Instead, we’ll experience a troubled mind and heavy heart that keeps us imprisoned and struggling spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

Our having peace of mind is important to God. Having peace is critical to our making wise choices, waiting on God, living with confidence, being faith-filled, resisting temptation, and having strength the way God designed us. 

In the beginning it wasn’t until evil entered the garden that having and maintaining peace became problem for Adam and Eve and now us. Even though we struggle to capture and maintain peace of mind God will help us secure and enjoy his peace so we can live confidently. We can regain and keep peace of mind when we stay connected to God, reject the world’s way of having peace, and trust God to guide us through life and provide for us.

Father, there is great gai when we have you in our life and at the head of our life. grant that I can have peace of mind and contentment by…     

 Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesu said to them again, “Peace be with you. (John 20:19, 21, ESV) 

Let’s consider a believer’s peace to be on par with the mineral gold or silver. As a matter of fact, let’s consider that peace of mind and inner peace surpass any earthly mineral or treasure in value and worth. 

Have you given thought to how much your peace must be worth? It must be valuable because the enemy is always after it and is not satisfied until he can steal it from you. How jealous he must be every time he sees a child of God at peace and especially when everything around him or her is falling apart yet they steal maintain their peace. Have you noticed how the devil picks and picks at you until he can get a rile out of you. He is not satisfied until he sees he has separated you from your God-given peace. 

At the same time, how disappointed you are in yourself because you were determined not to let things or people, or the devil get to you that way. 

When Jesus roses from the dead one of the first things he did while visiting his disciples in the locked room, was breathe his peace on them. Apparently, he knew more than any other quality and characteristic, they were going to need his peace going forward. They must have been totally depleted because it took him multiple times to fill them with his breath of peace.  

It’s true, you may have many levels of things going on and your problems may be complex and not easily solved. You may have more than you can handle, and your brain feels fried, but regain your peace, ask Jesus to breathe his peace into you just as he did the disciples. Consider how valuable your peace must be and how desperate the devil is to snatch it from you. Then whatever you have to do to regain it, do that!  When you ask Jesus to breathe how peace into you, he will not fail you. He does not want the devil to have victory over you in that way, either.

Jesus, breathe your peace into me. Fill me up with your peace so I can have peace of mind and inner peace. Amen  

But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'(Matthew 19:26)

Is there anything more encouraging than knowing nothing is impossible for God? 

What are the things or situations are troubling you because you’re not sure how they are going to turn out. Is there anything that seems too complicated or too overwhelming to be solved or turned around in your life or circumstances.

“All” is one of those words we define using the word itself. Someone might ask, what does “all” mean? And we might respond by saying, “all things,” or “everything.” Technically “all” means the whole quantity or extent of a particular group or thing.

Jesus explained that while people can have limitations God has none. There isn’t anything God can’t do. Nothing is impossible for him. What will you apply this truth to today?  

One of the best ways to experience peace of mind is when we believe and accept the promise of God when it says that everything is possible for God. We don’t have to know how God is going to work everything out, just know that he can. There is nothing we can present to him in prayer that will be perplexing or unsolvable for God. 

Peace of mind does not have to elude you. Trust in the power and promise of God to accomplish the impossible.

Dear God, I recognize my struggle to maintain peace has a lot to do with my doubt. I pray for steadfast faith an trust in you which will help me have peace of mind nt just sometimes, but all the time. Amen  

 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25, NIV)

God promises to refresh the weary soul and mind. He does not want us to reject his help or solutions to address weariness.

One way is through his Word as David writes, “The law of the Lord refreshes our soul (Psalm 9:7) and another way is through the “abundant showers that refresh the weary” (Ps. 68:9). David says “the blessings of God refresh us” (Ps. 92:10) and we know this to be a fact. Who hasn’t felt refreshed by the blessings God sends? 

The Word and precepts of God will refresh us when needed. Soul and mental weariness is a dangerous place to linger. It’s too unpredictable and there is too much space for the devil to influence us in ways that lead to our or other destruction. The human mind and heart can only take so much and only bear up under weariness so long before breaking down. 

God wants us to treat our weariness as quickly and aggressively as we would cancer in the body. This is why he gives us many ways of healing. While God’s Word is a good starting point and place to stay, we should be reminded to add another layer or two to bring healing. We shouldn’t hesitate to seek sound Biblical counsel and to follow doctor’s orders to help us restore. God wants us to be healthy and whole.   

When it comes to healing our weariness God knows exactly how and what to do.

Prayer Starter…

Lord, I will address my weariness quickly and aggressively. I will start by…   

  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is  true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.—Philippians 4:8 (NLT)  

As St. Paul comes to the conclusion of his Letter, he wants to leave believers with a strong thought. Something we can take away that will be impactful going forward, so he talks about our thought life. 

Paul was on the road a lot. He could be traveling for months just to get to one destination. Thought he had traveling companions he also spent a lot of time alone. And there were times, sometimes years when he was imprisoned, isolated and away from friends and family. Times when it was just him and his thoughts. He knew from experience your inner thoughts could lead you down a very dark road and it was beneficial to be able to control your thoughts and keep yourself in a good head space so you could receive God’s counsel without interference.  

One thing the devil loves to do is get inside our head. In fact, he will begin there most of the time because he knows what humans think in their minds they will eventually believe in their heart.  If our head is messed up then we are not going to feel emotionally strong or physically well. The thoughts we think can impact our relationships with others and even with God. So, Paul writes from experience, and he writes based upon the teachings of the Psalms and the Scriptures.

Paul realizes we can have an “inner reality” based upon our thoughts. What seems real because of what we think, but there is also an “outer development” we might not be aware of because we are consumed by our own thoughts. The outer development is where God is at work in our world, in the universe, in our lives and circumstances, yet we cannot see or sense this just yet. Our darkness pushes out the light of truth.  

Paul says get to the headspace that puts you in that good place of God's realness and truth. Stop thinking with the devil's doomsday mentality but embrace God’s light and see the outer development by putting your mind on things that are true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable. These thoughts will lift you from the darkness to the light where God is at work. These thoughts will give you hope and help you see God’s power and perspective.  

Each day there is a war for your mindset. The devil desperately wants to win the battle because he knows he can control you from there. But God—through the Holy Spirit—is also fighting for you, fighting to influence your thoughts because in him there is truth, there is light and there is life. 

God knows the battle of the mind cannot be won passively but aggressively and his word of truth gives us the ammunition and power we need to be victorious in battle.   

Holy Spirit, you are my powerful partner as I wage war against the one who wages war against me. My mind will be transformed and with the Spirit’s help, daily, I will put my mind on things that are true, on what is honorable and right and pure I will put my mind on what is lovely and admirable through this mindset the devil will be defeated and I will be set free from anxiety and darkness. Amen    

 God has said, “I will live with them and walk among them and I will be their God and they will be my people.”—2 Corinthians 6:16 (NIV) 

David was battling depression and discouragement. He knew what to do to drive the darkness far from him. He had battled the natural enemies of sheep in the past. He knew how to ward off foxes, wolves, and lions. He was not afraid to stand up against an advancing bear. He knew how to fight physical enemies. He had taken the giant Goliath down with a slingshot and five smooth stones. So, when depression threatened to overcome him, he knew exactly what to do: he would worship.

Whenever the people of God worship, God is in their midst. God told Solomon at the dedication of the temple “If my people, called by my name will humble themselves and seek my face There I will be in the midst of them (2 Chronicles 7:14). No matter where God’s people worship God will settle over them and God will draw near. The Apostle James said “draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). God is never far from us and God is never nearer than when we worship. 

When we worship God comes close and wherever God is there is the light of his countenance. Not even the darkness of depression or discouragement can stay when the light of God enters. When we pray, open God’s Word for counsel or comfort, worship his Sprit that brings peace and joy and hope God draws near. 

What darkness of the soul or mind can coexist with God’s powerful essence? Depression and discouragement will be driven out and God will take up the space they occupied.  

God, we are grateful to live in a time where there are many paths to emotional and mental wellness. Therapies and medications can help bring relief to burdened souls and minds but we also have the power of worship. When we need to experience your presence for the peace that evades us, we can worship and you are in our midst, of this we are certain. Thank you for the healing power of worship, God. Amen      

 Dear God, 

may the measure of your eternal love be the measure of your mercy.

And may the measure of your mercy be sufficient to blot out my great sins and cancel out the guilt of my wrongdoings.

I have failed, O Lord, and my failures. 

Weigh heavily upon my heart.

I cannot share them all with my brothers or sisters. 

lest they weigh too heavily upon them

Or even threaten our relationship.

But you know what they are, O God, and how far I have fallen short

Of your standards and expectations.

I am only human, Lord. 

It was not by my choice that I was propelled into this fractured world.

The weaknesses that plague me are not all my doing

Nor can I handle them by my strength alone.

I know they cannot be hidden from you.

I can only acknowledge my indictment and beg for your loving forgiveness.

Purge me of my guilt, O Lord. 

Heal the hurts of those who have been afflicted buy my failures. 

Revive my flagging spirit, O God.

Restore to me the joy and assurance of a right relationship with you.

Reinstate me in your purposes. 

And help me avoid the snares and pitfalls along this earthly path—Psalm 51:1-13

(Psalms Now, Leslie Brandt) 

For Insight

We might be surprised how praying the Scriptures before God can cleanse our heart and bring relief to our troubled mind. God will always hear our prayers and when we use the Word of God we know our prayers are in line with his will for us. 

Praying David’s prayer of confession can bring needed relief and peace if we are holding onto any unconfessed sin. 

When we ask forgiveness for any sin God is faithful and just to forgive our sin and gives us the assurance of a right relationship with him. When we confess our sin before God the enemy cannot accuse us nor keep us in fear because we know God’s love is greater than our sin, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross covers our sin and we are freed from our sin. This is God’s love and grace in action.       

 Dear God, 

may the measure of your eternal love be the measure of your mercy.

And may the measure of your mercy be sufficient to blot out my great sins and cancel out the guilt of my wrongdoings.

I have failed, O Lord, and my failures. 

Weigh heavily upon my heart.

I cannot share them all with my brothers or sisters. 

lest they weigh too heavily upon them

Or even threaten our relationship.

But you know what they are, O God, and how far I have fallen short

Of your standards and expectations.

I am only human, Lord. 

It was not by my choice that I was propelled into this fractured world.

The weaknesses that plague me are not all my doing

Nor can I handle them by my strength alone.

I know they cannot be hidden from you.

I can only acknowledge my indictment and beg for your loving forgiveness.

Purge me of my guilt, O Lord. 

Heal the hurts of those who have been afflicted buy my failures. 

Revive my flagging spirit, O God.

Restore to me the joy and assurance of a right relationship with you.

Reinstate me in your purposes. 

And help me avoid the snares and pitfalls along this earthly path—Psalm 51:1-13

(Psalms Now, Leslie Brandt) 

For Insight

We might be surprised how praying the Scriptures before God can cleanse our heart and bring relief to our troubled mind. God will always hear our prayers and when we use the Word of God we know our prayers are in line with his will for us. 

Praying David’s prayer of confession can bring needed relief and peace if we are holding onto any unconfessed sin. 

When we ask forgiveness for any sin God is faithful and just to forgive our sin and gives us the assurance of a right relationship with him. When we confess our sin before God the enemy cannot accuse us nor keep us in fear because we know God’s love is greater than our sin, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross covers our sin and we are freed from our sin. This is God’s love and grace in action.       

  Key Verse to Read and Treasure

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light—Matthew 11:28-30

Have you ever received an invitation you couldn’t pass up? That’s how Jesus hopes you will respond to the invitation he extends in Matthew 11:28-30. He invites you to trade your heavy baggage that keep you burdened down, for his lighter ones that are easier to carry and manage. 

If you’ve ever turned things over and over in your mind to the point of being emotionally weary, mentally drained, and physically sick, then you know what that’s like. That place where your brain hurts or your thoughts are foggy or you are feeling discouraged, depleted and at the point you can’t deal with one more thing. Jesus sees when you’re struggling in this way. He wants to help you get off the “hamster treadmill” and get on stable ground, have some rest for your soul and mind. 

Jesus’ invitation gives you an alternative way of living. He invites you to turn to him instead of the things you don’t have any solutions for, the things that are weighing heavily upon you, the things that are wearing you out emotionally, mentally, and physically. Jesus is willing to give you his peace, his strength, his comfort, his healing, his wisdom, his answers, his rest.

Are you going to take Jesus up on his invitation? Are you going to take whatever is troubling you to him? Is there something you can give him and receive his lighter yoke which will turn out to be a blessing and bring needed relief to your mind and soul? Jesus does not put perimeters or stipulations on what he’ll carry for you. He’ll take whatever you bring and he’ll give you what he has, no questions asked.

Jesus, I want to take you up on your invitation. I'd love to trade yokes!  Today I give you…        

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure:

My tears have been my food day and night…Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God—Psalm 42:3, 5 (ESV)

For Insight 

David was experiencing an intense time of depression. He was in the wilderness, lonely for family, longing for God, missing being part of the worship at the temple. David was hurting emotionally and spiritually yet he had not given up on God. He still knew in his head and heart God cared for him and was going to make things turn out for David’s good.  

Don’t let people tell you Christians don’t get depressed. The Bible shows us differently. Good people, God’s people can sometimes struggle with depression and sadness. It does not mean their faith is weak or that they don’t pray (hard) enough. God does not expect us to be super saints, he knows we are fragile, nothing but flesh and blood (Ps. 103:14), people who become weary, and there will be times living in this world we will want to faint from exhaustion.       

In his depressed state David did one of the best and most powerful things we can do when we are feeling low and battling depression, anxiety, or discouragement, he took power away from the enemy of his soul which was the darkness trying to defeat and overpower him. David practiced self-admonishment. He turned to his soul and asked, ‘soul, “why are you so discouraged with in me…”. For what reason are you down? David, asked himself ‘have you forgotten God is trustworthy? Have you forgotten God is your rock and has not forgotten you; that the steadfast love of God is with you (42:9)? The answer David experienced was hope. His soul knew it could hope in the God who had never abandoned him.  

When we are troubled or downcast, we can do as David did. We can go straight to the source. We can cut the devil off at the path. We can take the same assessment of our soul that David took with his. We can question ourselves and acknowledge that God is (still) good, God is (still) our rock, God (still) provides for us, God (still) heals, God (still) cares for us and has not forgotten us. 

What God (still) is can help us see things from a different perspective. There is a promise of God that is a running theme through the Scriptures and that is God will never leave us nor will he ever forsake us. We can remind our depressed soul God is (still) the God who loves us and will be here for us to the very end of time.   

Oh Lord, you are my rock, my help, my provision, my healer. In you, I can put my trust. Let my soul hope in you once more. Amen      

  Key Verse to Read and Treasure

A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench—Isaiah 42:3 

For Insight

Have you noticed how careful God is with the tender, the bruised and brokenhearted? He does not come in like a bull in the China shop. Knocking our emotions down or pressing us to the point of breaking. But he enters in gently, assessing the situation. Where does it hurt? What can I do to bring healing to your wounded soul and spirit? God has a tender touch for the weary and troubled. 

When I was younger my sisters and I were out for a walk when someone on a bicycle knocked me down and ran over my knee with their tire. I was in a great deal of pain. My sisters helped me hobble back home, where my mother began to treat my wound. Tenderly she cleaned the wound then bandaged it. Checking it daily to see how it was healing. My knee was sore for quite some time, but it was not only the medicine she applied but her love and tender care that helped me heal.

That is how God is with us when we are afflicted or troubled by anything. He does not fuss at us, yell at us, scream at us to be well or feel better, but becomes our emotional, mental, and spiritual nursemaid, soothing us with his promises and covering us with his love.

When we are troubled by anything we don’t have go into hiding or stay away from God, we can open our wounded heart, mind or soul to him, and he will bring a healing word and touch.

Thank you, Jesus for being just what we need when we are troubled in any way. Amen 

  Key Verse to Read and Treasure

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. (Hebrews 6:19, ESV)

For Insight

The ships anchor serves an important purpose: it holds the vessel in a particular place, keeps the vessel from drifting away due to currents or strong winds, it keeps the vessel from capsizing in a storm and provides security, stability, and a firm foundation. Because of all that could happen out on the waters, the anchor is a critical part of the vessel and piece of equipment. 

Keeping in mind that our “soul” encompasses our emotions and feelings, our thoughts, attitude, temperament, and character, we can understand the importance of Jesus being our soul’s anchor. When Jesus is the anchor of our soul, we are kept steady in stormy or turbulent times, prevented from capsizing under the heavy weight of life and circumstances and held firmly in our emotions and mind. Even when all else around us is shaky and chaotic. Having Jesus as our soul’s anchor is as critical as the ship needing its physical anchor.

When we’re going through something in life, feeling troubled in our soul and mind, we can remind ourselves Jesus anchors us, we are held fast and he can keep us steady and in a strong place emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.   

Jesus we’re so blessed to have you as the anchor of our soul! Because you anchor us, we are kept steady and balanced even through the most turbulent storms of life. While the world chooses different anchors, we find our peace and strength remaining in and with you. Amen

.

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

When I am afraid I will put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3, NLT)

For Insight

Several things we know about fear:

Fear can literally consume us

Fear can separate us from God

Fear can rob us of peace, confidence, joy and even life itself

Fear can deliver us into the devil’s clutches

Fear can make us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually ill

Fear can destroy our meaningful relationships

Fear can weaken our faith in God

Fear can make us vulnerable to temptation

We all react differently when we are afraid. Solomon dedicated many proverbs to the subject of fear and makes it clear the things that can happen when we give in to it. In the story of Adam and Eve we read how the first man and woman hid from God due to their new emotion of fear brought on by their sin of disobedience. They had never hid from God before, but now instead of running toward God, they ran from him.

Whether we are afraid and troubled because of people, upcoming activity, emotions, circumstances, suffering, sickness, the unknown, enemies, or even death, God wants us to come to him; not pull back or try to hide from him. He wants us to get in the habit of running to him when we are afraid, not away from him. When we run to him in our fear we will find our help, our comfort and our strength.   

Jesus, in fear, often our instinct is to run and hide; to run and hide from you. But regardless of what or who we are running from you want us to develop the habit of running to you, not away. Amen

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down (Proverbs 12:25, ESV)

For Insight

The Bible does not state what causes anxiety. Perhaps that’s because anxiety cannot be over simplified or reduced to one common cause. But when it surfaces and no matter how it enters in—through some trial, crisis, suffering, perceived lack, emotional, spiritual condition or other, it can be a peril to the body and soul, destabilizing every part of life and well-being. Anxiety is not just felt in the emotions or brain and mind, it is felt in the body, and burdens the heart; weighing it down until it is unbearable. If you open the Bible to find something on anxiety that will help you, you might have to look under several words or topics such as “heaviness, distress, trouble and cares. That’s because the word anxiety is like an umbrella with many prongs. 

Some things we know about anxiety are:

About 40 million adults between the ages of 18 and 54 suffer from anxiety disorders. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that anxiety has become the number one mental health issue in North America. That alone tells us anxiety is not uncommon and Christians should never think they are alone when they experience anxiety. 

We might understand the physiology and psychological aspect of anxiety, but God also wants us to understand it as a spiritual issue which is why he talks about it so much in the Bible. God talks about it, not to shame us or berate us for experiencing it as people of faith or to make us feel our faith is inadequate, but so we will know it’s not uncommon, there is nothing to be ashamed of, and he has provided answers for the anxiety we experience in our life at times. Since anxiety can come upon both believers and nonbelievers; and believers are not immune from having mental or emotional disorders or be plagued by things such as anxiety, fear, or worry it’s good to know the only thing that sets us apart is because of the relationship we have in the Lord. Our relationship with God gives us additional strength and support; help to overcome even something as weighty as anxiety. 

Because God loves and cares for us and does not want us to suffer under the weight of anxiety or any emotional, psychological, or spiritual pain, he tackles the hard stuff in this life and is not afraid to talk about the things the devil shames us over. When Jesus died on the cross for all our sins and suffering, he set us free, so we are free to speak up about it and seek help for it, using God’s Word as a spiritual resource and those professionally trained to experience wholeness and regain mental, emotional and spiritual health.   

God, it’s been said we should let you do the worrying which will keep anxiety away. When we are feeling anxious help us to seek and accept help, both in your Word and those who are trained to help us in this area. When the devil shames us help us to push back by calling him what we know him to be, “a liar and the father of lies” because we know 

Jesus took the shame on himself and made it possible that we might be victorious even over anxiety. Amen      

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, an began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death.” (Mark 14:32-34, ESV) 

For Insight

To be in agony means to experience extreme physical or mental suffering. Sometimes agony can be part of the final stages of a difficult or painful death. Agony can also come through an experience of mental anguish, intense pain of body or mind, a violent struggle, and oddly enough can also be associated with extreme joy. The longer you live the more likely you will experience some type of agony due to something taking place in your life or even the life of someone you care about.

Jesus experienced physical, mental, and spiritual agony the night before his crucifixion. He was in such deep agony as he prepared for his death, he sweated drops of blood. This intense sweating during a time of agony is a real condition called Hematidrosis and though rare, can happen when people are under extreme amounts of stress. The blood vessels around the sweat glands constrict under the pressure, and instead of sweating water, blood is oozed from the skin.

What a sober reminder that Jesus’ pain did not start when he was nailed to the cross but began long before. Hematidrosis is not only real, but painful and one more way we know Jesus identifies with our own feelings of anguish and deep distress. He knows what it feels like to be in agony to the core of our being. 

Remembering that our Lord understands agony can be helpful to us during times we might be agonizing about something. Because we know he knows what it feels like and has experienced personally, we can be vulnerable with him, sharing our feelings and thoughts. We can pour our heart out to him, just like he did with His  Father, confident he is not criticizing us for not being stronger or thinking we do not have enough faith, but that he is willing to comfort and strengthen. 

More than anything Jesus went through agony so we do not have to, and he wants us to know that although the state of agonizing is not new, we can turn whatever causes us to agonize over to him, assured he will minister to us, strengthen, and help us to get through even the most difficult things we face in this life. 

In this life we will have trouble, but we can take heart dear Lord, knowing you have overcome the world and we do not need to agonize over anything, no matter how intense or mountainous. Help us when we experience this deeply felt stresses and facing things that are threatening to our overall health well being. Amen 

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger (Ephesians 4:26, ESV)

For Insight 

Have you ever thought of Paul’s counsel about anger as a course in anger management? He tells us how we need to deal with our anger in a healthy way and in a manner that is not only biblically and scripturally correct, but relationally, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually sound. Without the ability to manage our anger well, anger has the ability to consume us and be a powerful force for destruction in our lives, our marriage, familial relationships, workplace, and faith community relationships. 

On one hand anger is a very natural emotion—given to us by God when he made us in his image. It was to serve us for good purposes. That’s because at times and in certain situations anger is a very healthy reaction to something that is not right, unjust, and unhealthy and teetering on abuse. Anger can help open our eyes and motivate us to make needed changes in our lives and circumstances. On the flip side it can also be a tool the devil uses to manipulate us and use for his good and purposes. Paul, like several others in the Bible counseled on anger so we could understand better what to do and how to act when we become angry.  

In his letter to the Ephesians Paul simply repeats what David had prayed in Psalm 4. Anger in and of itself is not a sin, it’s what we do in anger that can promote sin. Just like temptation is not a sin; but how we handle and respond to temptation that could promote sin. When we are angry, we are not to sin. If you are angry about something first examine your heart and motives. If it’s legitimate and you are able confront the person (in a loving and respectful way of course) do your best to talk it out in a civil manner, spend time in prayer about the matter. If you’re having a difficult time letting, go or getting past your anger talk to God about it so it does not become a heart issue. If it’s something you can change to make things better, do that, but if it’s a matter you can’t control, remove yourself from it as much as possible. More than anything put your trust in God to make necessary changes or bring a peaceful resolve. Because anger is like an umbrella with many prongs the Bible provides a way to deal with it that no matter why we are angry we can do things do take control of our anger, make sure it does not cause us to sin, and assure we do not become an instrument of the devil for even further destruction.  

Lord, thank you for reminding me that anger, in and of itself is not sin, but the way I deal with it can lead to sin, so I need to be careful and make sure I follow your instructions to manage anger and that way I won’t give the devil a foothold with my emotions, actions or heart, but instead glorify you. Amen