God's Peace: Always Available

---

What does peace look like for a busy mom?

I have been thinking about it since my son was born last year. What happens when the responsibilities of life and exhaustion seem to make peace feel unattainable?

Peace was a struggle to live out in the first year after giving birth. However, here is something that I’ve come to realize: I think that, as human beings, we often get used to the idea that our peace depends on our circumstances. We allow our emotions and thoughts to get in the way of the peace that God has already generously given.

Jesus words come back to mind as I shared what usually steals my peace on our Facebook Community, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ (John 14:27 NIV). I kind of chuckled a bit when I reread this verse because it is often fear that slowly asphyxiates my peace.

Then this led me to ask, " How can peace be attained?” Immediately, I thought of Philippians 4. In Philippians 4, Paul helped us understand God’s peace a little more. He shares:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV).

To my surprise, as I read, it became clear that this passage gave a practical view on what to do, to not allow the overwhelm of life and circumstances to steal the very thing designed to protect our hearts and minds, our peace.  

Let's take a look at it. We will look at each word that stood out as I read this passage:

• Rejoice: But Lord, how can I rejoice when my house is messy, my job is draining, I don’t have enough time to be with my kids, and I am constantly sick? I’ve been here too, so many times. I’ve realized that spending time in God’s presence allows me to rejoice amid difficult and unresolved circumstances. I can’t do it alone. I need God’s Spirit to help me develop His joy within me.

• The Lord is near: When we feel anxious and overwhelmed, we tend to feel the most distant from God. I've felt this way many times. But I love that this verse addresses this thought. These simple but powerful sentence reminds us that God is near. He cares. He's involved. We are not alone.

• Do not be anxious: Anxiety can really make us doubt God. It leads us to focus more on fear than the truth. Feelings can be overwhelming and discouraging, and I’ve noticed myself carrying them around instead of giving them to God. The Lord never asked us to pretend, but rather to take our pain, perfectionism, overwhelm, and fear to Him. Then, He will kindly exchange these burdensome things for His peace.

• Pray: I don’t know how long you’ve been walking with God, but praying for me has become a necessity. I cannot do life or exist in this world without God. I need Him. We can often think that our prayers don’t pass the ceiling, but let this verse speak truth over that lie: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” Psalm 34:4 NIV.

• Be thankful: It is often hard to practice thanksgiving when I’m so fixated on things I don’t yet have. It could be as simple as wanting my baby to nap or as hard as praying for a friend to get healed. But thanksgiving is a gift. When we are thankful, we remember the times when God moved, trusting that He will move again. Maybe not as we expect, but we can be certain that nothing escapes His control.

• Receive His peace: I’ve experienced this powerful exchange many times. When I feel hopeless and faint, and I go to Him, tell Him about my pain and struggle, He renews my soul. He gives me His peace that transcends my circumstances and understanding.

  
  

If you want to receive His peace today, find a moment to share your heart with the Lord. Leave your burdens before Him and pray this simple prayer:

“Lord, fill my heart with your peace. I need you. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

God often gives me clarity and peace, allowing me to do the tasks before me, and if He can do it for me, He can certainly do it for you!

With love,

Juanita

Let's Continue to Walk Together

You’re warmly invited to gather with us Weary Moms At The Well., a community for mothers seeking refreshment, community, and connection with the loving Shepherd. We meet weekly for prayer and a devotional continued conversation throughout the week.

I would be honored to walk with you as you shine the light of Jesus through right where you are!

Come as you are. Let's meet the loving Shepherd At The Well!