Finding peace when life feels unsettled

If you were asked if you were "at peace" right now in life, how would you respond? 

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been observing devotion time on the topic of personal peace.  We don't know about you guys, but there are times when we feel unsettled. Perhaps it's a relationship conflict, a stressful time at work, or maybe we have had health challenges personally or possibly with someone we love.

We know the bible talks a lot about peace, so we thought we would unpack it a bit.  When we think about times when we're not feeling at peace, how do we respond?  We are reminded of a verse that many of us know:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

When we face challenges, it's easy to try to tell ourselves not to be anxious.  But speaking from experience, just saying it doesn't make it true!  And as men, we often want to take action in the situation.  Well, this verse is clear; it's time for us to get down on our knees and spend some time talking to our God.  And not just talking, but as the verse states, we should be petitioning God for where we need HIM. He already knows everything we need. BUT, he wants us to humble ourselves and take the time to ask. 

Think about it, doesn't it feel good when someone is willing to ask us for help?

As the verse continues, it states that we will receive peace from God that transcends all understanding.  Do you ever wonder WHY God allows challenges or bad things to happen in our lives?  We do.  It doesn't take long to see that we live in a broken world.  As much as ever, people continue to struggle.  And certainly, the world isn't at peace.

You guys remember the fruits of the Spirit, right?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, gentleness, and self-control."  Galatians 5:22-23

As Christians, we believe we have an opportunity to bring the peace that comes from Jesus to others' lives.  Are we man enough to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit when things don't go our way?  Let's take a minute and reflect on the attributes in that verse.  We can think of several instances from just this last week where we didn't live up to these standards.  However, reflecting on times when we did, we certainly had a much better sense of being at peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.   I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

Guys, the world will never satisfy the gap in our hearts that God is meant to fill.  We will never fully find peace on this earth without a relationship with Jesus.  As we look forward to this week, let's take a moment to plan our time with him, knowing that the peace he brings us is unlike anything else we can receive on this earth.

Don't let our hearts be troubled.  We can trust that God is in our corner.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."  Psalms 46:1

Have a great week, fellas.