The Power of Love: Finding Rest in the Father’s Loveنموونە

Peace Starts and Ends with Trust

With three small kids at home, I often catch myself saying I need more peace! In the chaotic moments of parenthood, I’ve tried to will myself into peace, repeating things like: Just have peace.You’re okay. It’s fine.

But if I'm being honest, saying those phrases in my head never really worked. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find lasting peace. Another spill, argument, or unexpected challenge and I found myself spiraling again.

Then one day, it hit me. I was missing a key point in all of this.

Peace starts with trust.

We read in Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"

Peace isn’t something we can manufacture on our own. It’s the result of choosing to fix our eyes on Jesus rather than obsssing over what we can’t control. Trust activates peace.

Yesterday, we talked about creating a firm foundation of God's love within our hearts. Now, it’s time to put that foundation to the test.

When we remember all the wonderful things God has done in our lives, His peace expands within us. We no longer have to force ourselves to be calm because God is working within us.

When we surrender our anxious thoughts to Him, our perspective shifts. Instead of spiraling over all the things we can’t control, we stand firm in the truth that nothing is too hard for God. He is able!

Peace starts and ends with trust.

If we focus only on overcoming the fear, we miss a crucial part of the equation.

God doesn't just tell us "fear not" and leave it at that. There is almost always an action step after. Do not be afraid, BUT pray in every situation (Phillipians 4:6), put your trust in Him (Psalm 56:3), remember that God is always with you (Joshua 1:9), remind yourself that He has called you by name and you are His (Isaiah 43:1) and declare that He is your shield (Genesis 15:1).

God doesn’t just tell us to stop fearing. He tells us what to do instead. If we don’t replace fear with something greater, we’ll stay stuck in a cycle of anxiety. Our efforts will be ineffective because we’re trying to fight fear in our own strength.

But if we trust that God is our shield and that He is truly fighting for us, fear beings to lose its grip. Because peace isn’t the absence of trouble, it’s the presence of trust.

Take Action:

Is it hard for you to trust God? Be honest with your Heavenly Father about it. Tell him. If you need help in this area, ask Him for help. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in a greater way. Then continue reading His word, reminding yourself of His promises, and look for His faithfulness in your everyday life.

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