Let’s move away briefly from individual emotions and look at the whole range of emotions that we display. There are times, especially during this lockdown, when emotions are just tumbling around inside us, a bit like the balls in the lottery machine! They are swirling around and we do not know which emotion will appear next. Maybe its anger, sadness, worry or fear; are we going to shout or cry or laugh?
The range of emotions can be difficult to deal with. We end up edgy because we are nervous about our reactions to things, which just adds to our range of emotions.
What we need is peace – the ability to slow down the speed of that lottery machine, and allow us to feel in control of our emotions.
There are some great ideas that allow us to bring some semblance of peace in our lives; such as going for walks, talking with a trusted friend, or writing in a diary. But as Christians we are friends with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. So, let’s explore what the Bible says about Peace.
The first thing the Bible makes clear about peace is that it comes from God. Jesus himself said this to his disciples:
‘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.’
The Bible – John chapter 14 verse 27 (New International Version)
‘Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.’
The Bible – 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 verse 16 (New International Version)
You might think it is obvious, but how many of us when we feel unsettled and in need of peace think about going to God first? Maybe we try to distract ourselves from the thing causing us to be anxious and unsettled; maybe we try and distance ourselves from that thing altogether; maybe we talk to a trusted friend. These are not necessarily bad for us (as long as we don’t run away and ignore something forever); but how much better is it to go directly to the one we know is the origin of the peace. This is the substance of a very familiar verse on peace:
‘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.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.’
The Bible – Philippians chapter 4 verses 6-9 (New International Version)
The verse talks about bringing the things that unsettle to God, and that in return He gives us peace. Prayer is so important – it’s what helps us get closer to God. For me, when I am feeling in need of peace, I go for a walk and pray. Removing other distractions allows me just to unload to God what is on my mind.
God’s peace also guards our hearts and minds. When we don’t have peace, we can make the problem worse. The peace Jesus gives us does the opposite; it guards our hearts and minds against the unhelpful talk and thoughts.
These verses also tell us to focus on good things. We can be our own worst enemy in focussing on negative things – listening to the news too much, or to commentators or influencers who can create more worry, concern and unrest over things. It is important to make sure when we feel that our peace has gone, we switch these influences off and focus on good, wholesome, uplifting things (as the verse says).
Finally, these verses talk about obedience. It’s not fashionable to talk about obeying someone, even God, but actually this is important. We should obey God for many reasons but one of them is because He knows what He is talking about. This verse says to put into practice the things that we have learned about God, and the God of Peace will be with us.
Final check list if you need peace:
– Go to God in prayer tell Him what’s on your mind
– Focus on good and uplifting things, however small
– check we are being obedient to what God is asking us to do
God is true to his promises and will give you the ‘peace that passes all understand, to guard [your] hearts and minds in Christ Jesus’.
