Achieving Inner Peace

Jesus said “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV).

Inner peace is one of the most sought after experiences. People have tried all kinds of things to achieve it. Even Solomon, the wealthiest, most powerful king Israel ever knew, spent a great deal of his life exploring the path to inner peace. In the end, like so many, he concluded there was only way to achieve inner peace. It can be found only in trusting in God. Being very practical about most things, I have developed a few things for you to do to achieve inner peace. These are some of those horizontal imperatives. Of course they all must be based in your relationship with Christ. His love for us makes all things possible.

1. First, think and act spontaneously rather than on fears, which are based upon past experience. This is not to say that you do not act wisely. However, it does mean that you past failures no longer control your decisions.

2. Second, develop the unmistakable ability to enjoy each and every moment. Live in the present.

3. Third, lose your interest in judging other people. The only worth comparison we have for our evaluation of ourselves is Jesus. If you must compare yourself to another, let it be Him.

4. Fourth, stay away from interpreting the actions of others. We cannot know the true motives of others. To try to interpret them is to beg for trouble. If you must know the why of another’s actions, simply ask.

5. Fifth, stop participating in conflict in your life. It takes two parties to go to war. Refuse to play that game in life. It is amazing how much stress you may eliminate in this way.

6. Sixth, lose the need and even the ability to worry. Do not fear the future. It is secure in God’s hands.

7. Seventh, as often as possible be appreciative of others. Gratitude is at the heart of our faith.

8. Eighth, practice smiling more than frowning.

9. Ninth, increase your susceptibility to feeling the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it back. Let yourself become vulnerable and approachable.

10. Tenth, tell yourself often that everything is okay. It is OK. After all isn’t our future secured by the work of Christ on our behalf? Everything IS OK.

There is a warning to be posted concerning inner peace: If you have some or all of the above symptoms, please be advised that your condition of inner peace may be so far advanced as to not be curable. If you are exposed to anyone exhibiting any of these symptoms, remain exposed to that individual only at your own risk. Inner peace is contagious. Rest in Him today!