Peace of Mind

 

[Jesus said] “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.” (John 14:25-29 ESV).

 

If you are a believer, you may still struggle with finding the peace of mind and soul that is so often absent in times of struggle. We talk a lot about peace on earth and good will toward men at this time of the year, though it often seems conspicuously absent. First, we should recognize that this peace is a state of rest for the entire soul that comes from trusting in God. It's more than just relieving stress or anxiety, and it's a peace that's reliable in any situation. This is the peace that seems like a distant ideal in a world marked by turmoil, uncertainty, and conflict. Yet, Advent reminds us that true peace is rooted in the coming of Christ. This peace is a constant source of assurance, even when external circumstances challenge us.

 

God gives us the gift of peace as we draw close and rely on him. The Apostle Paul wrote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

 

Here we are a day that ought to be filled with such peace. However, your day may have just started and your thoughts are already beginning to race with anxiety; or, perhaps it's the middle of the night and you're struggling to find rest, whatever season of difficulty you're facing, the enemy is attacking your peace of mind. In those overwhelming moments, as your mind fills with fear, the best place to turn for comfort is an intimate relationship with God through prayer. We are not meant to try to control and fix everything that worries us. We were created to rest in God's love! We cannot always control the things that rob us of peace of mind, but we can control how we respond. This Advent season, consider placing particular emphasis on praying, meditating, and reflecting on Scripture to embrace God’s peace. We can also cultivate this Advent peace throughout the year as we worship God in our daily lives, acknowledging our total reliance on God for our needs.