Peace.....something we're all looking for. Especially with the turmoil around the world today with Covid - 19. So many people are fearful, anxious and panicking. This is shown in the way they speak and the way they act, and this is being seen everywhere! But do we have to live that way, even when there is uncertainty? The answer is simply....no.
For those who have faith, our eyes should be on Jesus and the promises He has given us in His Word (the Bible). The word peace is used 429 times in the Bible. We are told not to fear 365 times in the Bible.....one for each day of the year, no matter what is going on around us. When Jesus says,"Fear Not!" He is commanding us not to fear, it's not optional. That's pretty big right? So how do we keep our peace and "Fear Not?"
Remember when Jesus was in the boat on the Lake of Galilee.......
Mark 4:35-41 (NKJV) "And evening having come, He said to them on that day, Let us pass over to the other side. And when they had sent away the crowd, they took Him with them as He was in the boat. And there were also other little boats with Him. And there arose a windstorm, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was now full. And He was in the stern of the boat, asleep on a headrest. And they awakened Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we perish? And He awakened and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"
The issue was that the disciples were fearful because they had their eyes on the storm around them, instead of having their eyes on Jesus the One who controls the storms.
It's the same for us in these tumultuous times of uncertainty. People everywhere are focusing on the storm (Covid-19) and all that goes along with that....fear, panic and anxiety. So how do we keep our peace in times when it's easy to be fearful instead of peaceful?
Firstly, pray! Sounds simple and it is. God loves it when we talk to Him, we're in a relationship with Jesus and a relationship is two sided, communication is key. He is interested in everything about us, big and small. He also loves it when we trust Him with the deepest concerns of our hearts and when we're honest with Him.
Secondly, keep your focus on Jesus, His word and promises. The Bible calls this meditation. Take time every day to have some quiet time alone with Jesus, breathe and let the Holy Spirit fill you with peace and comfort you. Spend time each day reading your Bible, especially focusing on the promises of God's protection and provision for you and your family. It can also be helpful to play some worship music and worship Jesus as this helps us to focus our spirit into the Throne room of God. And when you have times where fear or anxiety try to rear their ugly heads, shut them down quickly by CHOOSING to focus your mind, thoughts and emotions on Jesus, His promises and the power of who He actually is...Almighty God.
Thirdly, keep updated on the Government's requirements regarding Covid-19, but don't constantly be watching everything on the TV or social media that comes along. Remember, what we put into our minds feeds our souls. Let' be informed, yes, but feed on God's goodness and love and just as Philippians 4:6-7 says, we will have peace that passes understanding. And it's that peace that we have from God that opens the door for us to share about God's goodness to others.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Helpful Bible Verses;
* Thessalonians 3:3
* Isaiah 41:10
* Psalm 91
* Deuteronomy 31:6
* Psalm 46:1
* Psalm 23
* Psalm 121
* Isaiah 54:17
* Psalm 34:7-9
Don't do life alone, we're here to help. If you need to talk to someone please don't hesitate to call and make an appointment, 0431433690.
If you are struggling with fear or anxiety and need someone to pray with you, please don't hesitate to call us at Out of the Ashes Counselling, 0431433690. We'd love the privilege of praying with you. This is a free service offered by Out of the Ashes Counselling.
We've added this YouTube clip, More Than Enough, by Jesus Culture. Hope it blesses you.
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