Steps to Peace

When confronted with the trials and testings of life, we need to rely on the peace of God. But how do we find God's peace in the midst of turmoil?
First we need to rejoice in the Lord. To pause for a moment and reflect on all He endured that we might have deliverance from sin's penalty and power is a cause for joy. As the song says, "No one ever cared for me like Jesus." When I focus on Him--on all that He is and has done for me--I will be on my way to finding God's peace.
The next step to peace is to actively treat those around me with the gentleness and patience of God--even those who may be the cause for my present difficulties. Those who show mercy, receive mercy. Those who forgive, sense the forgiveness of God. Those who develop a heart like God's heart, gentle and patient, are on their way to finding God's peace.
The third step is stop worrying--quit being anxious. God is still on His throne, the Master of the universe, the Lord of heaven and earth. The situation in which I find myself has not caught God by surprise. He has not forsaken me. He will never forsake me--even if I try to forsake Him.
The final step is to present everything to Him in prayer with thanksgiving. To as Peter says, "Cast all your care on Him for He cares for you." When I take the situation out of my hands and place it in His, I can rest assured that all things will work together for my good and His glory.
When I do those things, I will find God's peace overwhelming me--a peace beyond the comprehension of men. The situation may not change one iota. In fact, it may get "worse" from the human perspective, but I will find God has put a song in my heart, a peace in my soul that is unshakeable and steadfast. Why? I have offered Him the sacrifice of praise with my lips. I have drawn near to Him. In addition, I have loved my neighbor as myself, put his needs and wants above my own. I have esteemed him better than myself. Finally, I have humbled myself before my Lord. I have given up the notion that the situation is too complex for my God to handle. And I have given up the notion that I myself can solve the situation with my own wisdom and strength. Thus, I have placed everything in His hands--the circumstances and the people involved, including myself--and my heart and mind then become saturated with God's peace. I will be as worried about the situation as the omnipotent, omniscient, all-loving God is worried about the situation. And how much do you suppose that is?

"And the peace of God, which passes all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."