Jesus is my peace!

In this short article I want to encourage you to always seek the peace and calm that only Jesus can bring in our lives. In Philippians 1:6 the Bible tells us:“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”  Therefore, when we go through difficult times it is good to remember the words in this verse. It will always help us to remember that the Lord daily continues to work in our lives, no matter what situation we are facing. In Isaiah 30:15b we read: “…..in quietness and trust is your strength,”. Staying calm and peaceful during stressful times is very important. Stress drains our emotions and often also affects our physical strength. Jesus is our peace, and He is the only One that brings calm during our storms. While I studied this theme, I found several bible verses that speak of peace or calm. Each one of these verses help and encourage us to trust God's Word when we feel stressed or overwhelmed by various circumstances that we encounter throughout our lives. In Philippians 4:13 we read:“I can do all things through him who strengthens me,”.  It is indeed Christ Himself who always brings us the calm and the peace we need when tribulations come our way at times when most of the time we do not expect them to come. In Matthew 11:28, I really like this verse that says:“Come unto me, all you who labor and are bent down under a burden, and I will give you rest.”  When we have the Lord's rest, we also have calm, even during hardships. Hardship means times of deprivation, great need or want and destitution. If Jesus is our peace, we have the certainty or sureness that no matter what happens, we are in HIS good care. Peace and calm are so important for all of us, therefore, here are some good tips to help you stay peaceful and calm. a) Refuse to give anyone power over your attitude and mood. b) Refuse to allow anyone else to dictate your response to the situation you are facing. c) Refuse to give anyone the power to change your behavior. This means not listening to what negative people are saying about you or about a problem you are facing. d) Refuse to allow anyone to steal your joy. Stay in the Word of God and in prayer and ignore those who come to bring stress therefore robbing you of your peace. e) If someone is mean to you, be nice. Keep calm. Keep peaceful. At times, we all encounter people who are filled with bitterness. Unfortunately they like to give us advice that reflects their emotional unbalance. Refuse to hear these negative words. Always stay kind and forgiving. Someone you know may be bitter, pray for them. But be thankful that because Jesus is your peace, you don't have to live with that poison in your soul. In John 14:27 Jesus says:“I leave you peace, I give you, my peace. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled or be frightened.”  

 Therefore, in every circumstance, keep calm and stay at peace.

 I am not telling you what to do. But I can tell you what I do. I cling, which means to hold tight to Jesus, my Lord of peace. He always takes care of me and He keeps me calm.

Sincerely, 
Denise