When It Hurts…Sample

Living in a Peaceful State of Mind

How peaceful we feel can be dependent on what we’re focusing on. If we’re constantly focusing on our problems, things going on in the world and our own thoughts, it’s much harder to feel at peace. The Bible says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you…whose thoughts are fixed on you…for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them” (vv. 3, 7 NLT). If our thoughts are fixed on God and we trust Him through everything we’re facing, He promises us His “perfect peace.” When we’re in really tough times and we have problems that seem overwhelming, we need to stop relying on our own abilities to solve things and trust God to bring us through. We can then be at peace, rather than fearful and stressed during the chaos of the situation because we’re focused on God—not what’s going on. Paul says, “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 NIV). We don’t have to face things on our own. We can hand everything over to God. By trusting God completely, our levels of peace are no longer controlled by circumstances, other people, our emotions or our limitations. Instead, we’ve got God’s “perfect peace.” 

What Now?

Where do you find yourself getting the most fearful and anxious? Write out “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you” and leave it in that specific place so you can read it when you feel the fear and anxiety rising up.