Life is full of challenges. From financial struggles to health issues, relationship turmoil to career uncertainties, and even the daily stress of balancing work and family, we all face moments that test our strength and resilience. In these moments, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even panicked. But what if there was another way to respond? What if, instead of letting stress take over, we chose to rest in God’s peace?
The Bible offers us this powerful reminder:
“So be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not panic, for the Lord your God goes ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” – Deuteronomy 31:6.
This verse is a source of hope, reminding us that God is always with us, even in the midst of life’s storms. But how do we practically apply this truth to our lives? How do we choose peace when everything around us feels chaotic?
Understanding Our Natural Responses to Stress
When faced with stress, our bodies react instinctively. Researchers have found that common responses to stress include faster breathing, a racing heart, and elevated blood pressure. These physical reactions are part of our body’s natural “fight or flight” response, designed to help us handle immediate threats.
Think about the last time you felt stressed. Maybe it was when your teenager missed curfew, and you couldn’t reach them. Or perhaps it was during a tough season at work, a financial crisis, or a health scare. In those moments, your body likely reacted with tension, worry, and even fear.
But here’s the thing: while panic, fear, and anger are natural responses to stress, peace is not. Peace doesn’t come naturally when we’re facing problems. Instead, we often think, “I’ll have peace once I fix this problem.” But this mindset is flawed because problems are a part of life, and waiting for them to disappear before finding peace means we may never experience it.
Real Peace Comes from God
The peace we’re talking about isn’t the fleeting kind that comes from temporary distractions, like watching a movie or enjoying a good meal. Real peace—the kind that sustains us through life’s challenges—is a supernatural gift from God. It’s a deep, abiding sense of calm and assurance that transcends our circumstances and understanding.
Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts” – Colossians 3:15.
This peace doesn’t come from fixing our problems or working harder; it comes from trusting God in the midst of our struggles.
So, how do we choose to rest in God’s peace? Here are three practical steps: Acknowledge That God Is in Control, Practice Serving Others, and Accept What Is Beyond Your Control.
1. Acknowledge That God Is in Control
When life feels out of control, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to fix everything ourselves. We might think, “God, don’t you see what’s happening? Don’t you care?”
The answer is a resounding YES!
God sees you. He knows what you’re going through, and He cares deeply. The Bible reminds us that God is always in control, even when we feel like everything is falling apart.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” – Isaiah 41:10.
Acknowledging God’s control doesn’t mean we sit back and do nothing. It means we do what we can while trusting that God is working behind the scenes. It’s saying, “Lord, I can’t handle this on my own, but I know You’ve got this. You’re in control.” This acknowledgment brings a sense of relief, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.
2. Practice Serving Others
When we’re in the middle of a problem, it’s easy to become consumed by it. We replay it in our minds, letting it dominate our thoughts and emotions. But one of the best ways to break free from this cycle is to focus on serving others.
Acts 20:35 reminds us of Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When we step outside of our own struggles to bless someone else, something incredible happens. We gain a new perspective. We realize that our problems, while significant, aren’t the only challenges in the world. And in serving others, we often find joy and peace.
This doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be as simple as praying for someone, checking in on a friend, or volunteering your time. By blessing others, we open ourselves to receive God’s peace and experience the joy and peace that come from serving others.
3. Accept What Is Beyond Your Control
This step can be the hardest, especially for those of us who like to fix things. But the truth is, some problems are simply beyond our control. We can’t change another person’s behavior, undo a diagnosis, or reverse certain circumstances.
It is in those times that Paul offers these words of encouragement:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” – Philippians 4:6-7.
When we accept what we can’t control and bring it to God in prayer, we are reminded of His goodness and love. Even in the midst of our struggles, we can praise Him for who He is and trust that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Resting in God’s Peace
Choosing to rest in God’s peace is just that—a choice. It’s a decision to trust Him, even when life feels overwhelming. It’s a commitment to acknowledge His control, serve others, and accept what we can’t change.
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.
This peace doesn’t depend on our circumstances. It’s not something we can create on our own. It’s a gift from God, available to anyone who chooses to trust Him.
So, the next time you face a challenge, ask yourself: Will I let this problem control me, or will I choose to rest in God’s peace? The choice is yours. May you discover that when you choose peace, you’ll find strength, courage, and hope to face whatever comes your way.
Dr. Tony Caldwell is pastor of the Hinesville First United Methodist Church. His teaching website can be found at Refinery Radio