My favorite days are those in which I feel a sense of inner peace—when my family is doing well, my relationships are good, and all seems well in my little corner of the world.  Maybe that’s also true for you. Don’t you just love those peaceful, turmoil-free moments in life? Peace is something we all desire. It’s hard to function and flourish in life without it.

So, what is the secret to a peaceful life? 

Most importantly, we must have a sense of spiritual security. We need to know that our life is in the hands of someone greater than us—namely, Jesus Christ. When we believe in Jesus, and accept His gift of forgiveness for our sins, we can be sure that we’ll spend eternity in heaven with Him. We no longer need to fear death, and we have Holy Spirit power for this life, as well! Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Would you like to? Follow this link to find out how: How to Become a Christian

Once we are secure in Jesus Christ, we must learn to live at peace with others. For this to happen, we need to live in a constant state of forgiveness. What do I mean by that? Well, we must always be prepared to forgive as we move through life—forgiving quickly, persistently, and joyfully—even when others offend again and again. We are to forgive, even when the offender hasn’t asked for forgiveness. Understand that a heart of unforgiveness can lead to bitterness, anger, resentment, broken relationships, and sometimes even more dire consequences, such as health issues. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to do this counter-intuitive and very difficult thing.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, in Christ, forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

Next, we need to live with a sense of purpose. As believers, we inherently have an over-arching purpose—to glorify Him and to make Him known. Part of that purpose is to serve and to love others in His name. Have you found a place to volunteer or to use your gifts and talents in your church or community? You are uniquely gifted to do so. If you are not currently serving, ask your pastor or a Christian friend for ideas. Remember, if you are in the mommy phase of life, there is no greater purpose than raising your children to know and love Christ. Don’t be ashamed of giving yourself fully to that endeavor.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 

In addition, if we are to live a peaceful life, we must give our worries and concerns to God. He cares. He wants us to come to Him in prayer. He doesn’t want us to carry the burden of worry. His Word says so. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t been able to pour my heart out to the Lord over the burdens and heartaches I’ve had in my life—burdens about family, health, regret or world events. Peace and worry cannot coexist.

“Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in 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 minds through Christ Jesus.”               Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Lastly, we can only have peace when we can successfully live above and beyond the turmoil of this life—that includes, natural disasters, world events, the political climate, and the ever-eroding culture. As believers, we certainly want to make an impact where we can—voting, volunteering, signing petitions, possibly even marching for a cause if God so leads. But, to have peace, we must realize several things: This world is not our home (heaven is), God is ultimately in control, my life and my children’s lives are in His hands, God wins in the end.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

“And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.” Psalm 125:2 (NKJV)

My prayer for you is that you will abide in the beautiful, life-changing peace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope this post has given you something to think about and maybe some areas on which to focus. 

As Jesus said to the disciples after His resurrection, before He returned to heaven:

“Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV)