In our fast-paced, anxiety-inducing world it is a great comfort to know how many scriptures for peace of mind there are.
In fact, there is a constant theme in the Bible, from the first pages of Genesis to the end of Revelation, of leaning into relationship with God. Itâs in that relationship that we find freedom from worry and freedom from anxiety.
Worry is a waste of time in Godâs books. Getting straight to the point, Matthew writes, in chapter 6:34 âTherefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.â
Do not worry. He makes it sound so simple doesnât he? Do you remember what Jesus said to the disciples after he calmed the storm that surrounded their fishing boat?
âWhy are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?â.
Itâs a well used example but one that holds so much truth and power for us today. The disciples were experienced boatmen and they knew the seas in that area well. For them to be so freaked by a storm implies it was a terrifying one.
And yet, Jesus questions their fear and connects their fear and worry to a lack of faith. Just as He rebuked the storm, He rebuked His disciplesâ lack of faith.
Worry and anxiety are just not compatible with faith. We try to let both exist in our hearts and heads, leading to a messy inner life. God offers us a much simpler solution âdo not worry, trust me, rest me with through the stormâ.
John 14:27 contains another well known verse of scripture: âPeace I leave with you; my peace I give you.â Jesus is not being cryptic or mysterious here. When He tells His disciples that Heâs leaving His peace with them, He means the Holy Spirit. Skip back a verse and you read âthe Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.â
It takes supernatural force to live without fear or worry in this life. We are empowered to do just that by the presence of peace, aka, the Holy Spirit, in us. The capacity to live free from worry is in our very bones, put there by the God of the universe.
Living out the truth of scriptures for peace of mind doesnât mean ignoring everything scary in the world. Achieving peace of mind and freedom from fear means acknowledging that, while the storm rages, you trust that Jesus is there with you. It is your awareness of the supernatural peace within you that enables you to lay down your worries.
Colossians 3:15 says: âLet the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.â
This verse reminds us that we are active participants in how we feel and how much we worry. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, Paul encourages. We will have conflicts and confusion in our hearts, time and time again. It is up to us to let the Holy Spirit, the peace-bringer, rule in our hearts. Above all other things, let the peace that is in us triumph.
Choosing to let the peace in you rule over your worries and fears takes a perspective shift. By focusing on God, what He says and what He sees, you are able to live free from worry.
If the disciples had paid more attention to the fact Jesus was soundly sleeping, instead of on the ferocious storm, they would have saved themselves a lot of worrying.
Mediating on the word of God is a simple but effective way to shift your perspective. Use these verses daily to connect with the prince of peace.
âCast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.â Psalm 55:22
âWhat, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?â Romans 8:31
âHave I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.â Joshua 1:9
The more you meditate on scripture, letting its truth override your worries, the easier you will find it to connect with God day to day.
If you take a closer look at some of your heroes in the Bible youâll find tips, learned from their lifestyle, that will help you to sustain peace of mind.
Jesus, Jeremiah and Abraham, to name a few, all sought solitude to connect with God. In fact, seeking solitude is an act taken by many in the Bible. When their lives called for thinking space, for preparation, or refreshment, people like Jesus turned to finding a quiet space to connect with God.
Can you plan a time of retreat? Perhaps escape to somewhere beautiful in the countryside with just your favourite playlist and some good food for company? Carving out intentional space for you to draw near to God is powerful.
If a retreat isnât possible then can you create a rhythm of solitude in your daily life? A walk every morning? 10 minutes in your room before you get on with the day? Even a few minutes spent with God in solitude can have a huge impact on your wellbeing for the rest of the day.
Worship is good for us. Why? Namely because we were created to worship. British songwriter Lucy Grimble wrote a song called âCreated to worshipâ with the verse:
âCause I was created to worship
With my mind, with my soul, with my spirit
With a heart full of love that won't be contained
So I'll sing, I will dance I, will shout out
I won't stop 'til I've let all my praise out
Like David, a king, yet so unrestrainedâ
We are created beings, made to worship our creator. Worship not only fulfils our created purpose, it reminds us of the sovereignty of God. Itâs so easy to forget, in all the hassle and stress of day to day life, that God is sovereign. He is king and He has overcome all and that remains true no matter how dark the days get or how very big your worries get.
You donât need to overthink worship. Donât forget, you were created to worship so your worship to God will feel innate, natural and will be a unique expression from you to him.
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