One of the most frequent responses to the question of what our world needs today is peace. From wars to tragic shootings to an unstable economy, the opportunity to allow anxiety and fear to rule our lives is very real. In fact, studies show that more people are experiencing increased anxiety and worry, which is leading to a host of physical conditions and illnesses. The Bible shows that we were designed for something much better: peace.

Jesus said this in John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

What an encouraging promise we have from Jesus! People are pursuing peace in many different ways, but peace doesn’t come from a place – it comes from a person. The first step to experiencing God’s peace is to recognize that it’s a gift to be received.

Then, Paul gives us very clear instruction on how to receive the gift of peace in Philippians 4:6-9, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 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. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

That’s amazing! Paul says we can live not under the weight of worry but instead with the power of peace. Here’s the path to the peace only God provides:

Exchange worry with prayer. Every time you begin to worry about a situation, exchange that worry with prayer. Instead of focusing on what is seemingly out of control, remember and turn your attention to the One who is always in control!

Defeat anxiety with thanksgiving. The number one weapon for defeating anxiety is thanksgiving – it’s the strategic defense that disarms the enemy. We thank God for all He’s done – because remembering His faithfulness in the past is the key to fueling our faith for the future.

Foster a healthy mind. Paul provides eight areas to focus our thoughts on. The peace that passes understanding comes through strategic thinking. As you go through your day, take inventory of what you allow into your mind. Studies continue to confirm that the increase of social media and news intake is one of the leading causes of increased anxiety. A healthy mind is fostered by intentionally guarding our minds.

Peace is a promised gift from Jesus. Through this time of prayer and fasting, bring your needs to God, thank him for all He’s done, and immerse your mind in His Word, “Then you will experience God’s peace…His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Scriptures

John 14:27 (NLT)
 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Philippians 4:6-9 (NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 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. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.