“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
I try not to spend too much time watching the news, but like a moth attracted to a flickering flame, I am drawn to it. Corruption in government, coronavirus, protests and riots, rising unemployment, mandatory vaccinations, bad weather… nothing positive with which to fill my mind. I try not to worry, but I do, and frankly, by scrolling down the news feed on my phone, I find that I am cultivating that worry until it results in a terribly unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach that refuses to subside.
What am I doing?? This is pure craziness on my part! I recall a phrase from my youth: “Garbage in, garbage out!” The referral is that whatever I put into my mind will eventually spill out into my life through words or action. I have been putting such negativity into my mind that it is going to start oozing out to those around me, thus spreading like a… well, for lack of a better word, like a virus.
There is a cure, however, and it brings peace to my soul. I find that when I fill my mind with the things of God, peace comes. What things? Here are some precious nuggets that I choose to put into my mind these days.
- Music – When I close my eyes and listen to godly music, I am enveloped by His sweet peace. The beautiful words of hymns like “I’d Rather Have Jesus” or “Because He Lives” are a balm to my soul.
- “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
- Scripture – Bible verses remind me there is always hope in Jesus. God’s promises to save, keep, and deliver me through this earthly life are non-negotiable. What He has said, He will do, and I trust in Him. In a world of uncertainty, His Word gives me hope.
- “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
- Thanksgiving – Taking time to reflect on the blessings of my life gives me a different perspective that gives me peace in my soul, and compels me to thank God for His goodness toward me.
- “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
- Others – A phone call, a written note, a delivered meal, a morning visit, a prayer on their behalf… there are so many ways to reach out to those who are in need, and every time I think of others before myself, my heart is blessed in the joy of simply loving someone as Christ would have me do.
- “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” (Isaiah 58:10-11)
- Prayer – Sharing my worries with God is liberating. Knowing that the things on my heart are relinquished to the One who can handle anything and everything brings comfort and peace.
- “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Service – Putting my Christianity into action helps me remember that my faith is not in vain. I serve a living Saviour, and there is a world that desperately needs Him. Jesus alone is the answer to all the turmoil in the souls of men. It is my responsibility to share the gospel, and when I do, I am content, no matter what is happening in the world around me.
- “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:26)
When worries threaten to overwhelm me, I remember that my peace is found in Jesus. He has overcome the world and this is what He has promised me. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) So, I turn on some godly music, open the Bible, and let the Holy Spirit fill me with the peace of God!
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior, all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
(from “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby)
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8
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If worries can distress Christians, imagine what someone who doesn’t know Jesus might be feeling these days. Someone must share the hope of Jesus with them. Will it be you?