How often do we live our whole lives without peace, and if we do find peace, how often do we let go of it and allow our peace to be replaced with worries, concerns, striving, stress and negative thinking?
We may not be happy with certain aspects of our lives, but it helps to listen to what God says about the essentials of who we are and what He says about us.
Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27).
The Bible says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body” (Proverbs 14:30)
God’s Word teaches us to keep our peace by focusing on “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things..and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4: 8-9)
When we begin focusing on hope and our hearts and minds on God’s promises and love for us, medical science has discovered that the activity of the mind changes the structure of our brain in a positive and healthy direction.
That means there is hope for us to change even where we haven’t been peaceful and may have struggled with our thoughts and emotions. Our brains change will change as we focus on Jesus and His love and goodness.
When we accept who God says we are, any wrong thinking, negativity, lack of self-worth, and fears fall away, and we are transformed as our thinking is renewed according to what God says about us. As a result, our hearts are filled with peace, giving life to our whole body, which is a great way to live. (Romans 12:2)
”It has been found that 12 minutes of daily focused prayer (simply talking and listening to God), over eight weeks, can change the brain to such an extent it can be measured on a brain scan.”
Today check what you have been fixing your mind and heart on. Is it hope, or is it thoughts of fear and disaster? I encourage you to listen and accept who God says you are. He thinks you’re amazing, significant and special, and since He is the one who created you, He’d know?
If you have been struggling, take time throughout the day with Jesus, read His words in the Bible, download them onto your phone, put a favourite verse on your screen saver, pin-board or wherever you will see it to remind yourself of what Jesus says about your life. Because He promises that “He will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are fixed on Him.”
Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” (Psalm 138:8)
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians1:6)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Prayer: Lord, I ask for your peace to fill my heart today and that I would listen and accept what you say about my life. Please help me to let go and give over to you any thoughts, attitudes and concerns that would try to steal my peace today. In Jesus name Amen.
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