Do you ever experience times when your thoughts are anxious and seem to be on a never-ending loop? You think through a concern but are not able to calm your worry. There seems to be no way to resolve your issue because you are not in control of the situation. As much as you go over the ideas in your head, you never reach a conclusion. You might have an imaginary conversation trying to explain it all. Sleep escapes you because your mind is not resting, it’s wrestling.

People have recently been sharing their anxious thoughts with me, whether it is in a prayer request, recounting a traumatic moment, or awakening from a nightmare. What is going on in our brains? Why are we fearful and worried? The Bible has many verses that speak to our frame of mind, and our lack of peace.

John 16:33 ESV says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

It is the word and ministry of Jesus that brings us peace in a world full of trouble. He promises peace despite difficult circumstances that will come. But how do we access this peace? How do we put our mind to rest?

John 14:25-27, These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubles, neither let them be afraid.”

Isaiah 26:3-4 “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”

God is telling us, that our anxiety and lack of peace is related to a lack of trust. We know God loves us, but we’re not sure He will take care of things the way we want. We’re not sure He will intervene in a practical way. We’re not sure if He is going to fix things, or if we will have to handle them. Yet, God is urging us to trust Him, to bring our concerns to Him, and to have faith that He is there for us. When our hearts are troubled and afraid He has peace for us. The Holy Spirit will be our guide to learning to trust the love of God when it is not easy. Here is a strategy we can employ to gain peace and retain it.

 Philippians 4:4,6-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. …do not be anxious about anything, but it everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This scripture encourages us to trust God with anything and everything. He has promised that when we bring our concerns to Him in prayer – with thanksgiving, we will gain peace of mind. This is not an ordinary peace that indicates that all is well, but a mind-boggling calm in the midst of a storm. It is a rejoicing in Him, that goes beyond our understanding of the circumstances. It is rooted in the character of God and a trust that He is on our side. He has heard our prayers and cries for help, and He is answering. We can now put our anxious thoughts to bed. God’s peace will guard our heart and our mind in Christ Jesus. Our hearts can be at peace because we know God is faithful.

Developing this trust may take some time, but each and every occasion when you trust, you are building your faith to believe Him for the next time. Your confidence in God is growing and will become a resting place for you. As Jesus designated the Holy Spirit to be our guide, we are reminded of the fruit of the Spirit. We will gain so much more than peace if this fruit is grown in our hearts.

Gal 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Here is my prayer for you today. It comes directly from scripture.

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”