The Practice of Peace

If Christians should not be anxious for anything, why do so many of us spend our nights lying in bed staring at the ceiling, body exhausted but mind racing?

One of the names God reveals for Himself in His Word is Yahweh Shalom—the Lord is our Peace. And the prophet Isaiah noted that God’s peace results from keeping our minds focused on the Lord. Isaiah wrote, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).

But that’s easier said than done. How do we fix our thoughts on the Lord?

Thankfully, God doesn’t just tell us what to do in His Word. He also tells us how to do it.

To help us in the fight to keep our mind focused on Him, He provides the battle plan in Philippians 4:6-9.

First, we are to ask for God’s help in releasing anxious thoughts as we gratefully acknowledge His grace and mercy. When we do, He gives us a peace beyond our own comprehension that stands guard over our hearts and minds.

Then, to prevent anxious thoughts from returning, God tells us to fill our thoughts with things that are honorable, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise.

Finally, it’s not enough to do this once. We need to practice it repeatedly until it becomes a habit. When we do, Yahweh Shalom blesses us with His perfect peace.

Don’t allow fear and worry to control your thoughts and steal your peace!

[Adapted from Daily Reflections on the Names of God, (Revell) by Ava Pennington.]