Where to Find Peace - iBelieve Truth - February 6, 2024

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NIV

In our fallen world, peace of mind can seem elusive. The news constantly brings stories of conflict, social media posts amplify division, and stressful challenges make us feel anxious. Yet, in the middle of so much turmoil, we can still find peace.

The key to finding the peace we crave is to go to the right place for it. We may look for peace in all sorts of pursuits that numb us to stress for a while: exercising, eating comfort food, binge-watching a television show, taking a relaxing bath, and more. But while we’ll find lots of ways to experience temporary peace, only God offers us true and lasting peace. The way God gives us peace is through Jesus’ redemptive work for us on the cross.

When my maternal grandmother, Nana, was dying, she said she regretted running out of time to do things she wished she had done in her life. I wished I could give Nana more time to live. But I couldn’t. I kissed her and shared how I learned to do something that had helped me to stop worrying and find peace. “I visualize Jesus on the cross,” I told her, “and I visualize the specific things that are worrying me. Then I see myself walking toward Jesus and laying those things down at the foot of the cross for him to take care of for me. Through a short prayer, I ask Jesus for help with every specific thing I’ve left there for him. I see myself walk away then, and I always feel at peace afterward.” Then Nana and I prayed together that same way, asking Jesus to take care of all her concerns. While we were praying, the expression on Nana’s face changed from worried to peaceful. That was the last time I saw her since she passed away the next day. She may not have done all she wanted to do, but she did what was most important: find peace from God.

Jesus promises to give us all peace – and that peace is far greater than the temporary peace the world offers us. Jesus assures us in John 14:27 (NIV): “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.” Absolutely nothing can stand in the way of us connecting with God, thanks to the redemptive work that Jesus did when he died for our sins on the cross. That makes it possible for us to receive the gift of ultimate peace. When we experience the peace Jesus gives, we can let go of anything that burdens us with confidence that Jesus will help us.

What burdens are you carrying right now? Don’t get carried away into worry and frustration by overthinking your concerns. No burden is too heavy for Jesus to carry. He encourages you in Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV): “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus is willing to carry your burdens because he loves you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) exhorts you to, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

So, whenever you’re concerned about a particular burden, let go of it through prayer. Picture yourself walking up to Jesus on the cross. Leave your burden there for Jesus to handle. Receive the peace that Jesus gives you in return. You can do so anytime you need to, praying about everything that burdens you. As Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) says: “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.” 

Jesus, you know the concerns that are on my mind right now. Instead of worrying about them, I’m giving them to you and trusting you to help me with each situation. Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross that makes it possible for me to find peace with God. I know I can’t find real peace from any other source in this world. Going forward, when I’m stressed or worried, please remind me to pray about what’s on my mind. I want to experience your peace every day, no matter what circumstances I go through. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/fizkes

Whitney Hopler is the author of the Wake Up to Wonder book and the Wake Up to Wonder blog, which help people thrive through experiencing awe. She leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Whitney has served as a writer, editor, and website developer for leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She has also written the young adult novel Dream Factory. Connect with Whitney on X/Twitter and on Facebook. 

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