"As followers of Christ, peace is our inheritance. If you're not a follower of Christ, you GET to live in worry"(K. Berry). The cure for anxiety, worry and fear doesn't come from taking medication, having positive thoughts or going to therapy. They might alleviate the symptoms, but it won't pull out the root of the problem. The only cure that lasts forever is putting your trust in Jesus and casting your cares and concerns onto Him. In fact, we're instructed to do that in 1 Peter 5:7: "God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to Him." You can certainly try it your own way, and maybe it will subside for a bit. But you'll quickly realize that it comes back with a vengeance, sorta like a boomerang. When you put your trust in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, you'll find that "peace isn't the absence of challenges; it means that trouble can be all around you, but it won't get inside of you"(K. Berry). When you allow Jesus to take up the space in your heart that normally would occupy fear and worry, then naturally there's no room for those things anymore. Let's take a look at the story in Mark 4:35-39, where Jesus was actually sleeping on a boat in the middle of an intense storm. In fact, the crew had to wake him up to do something about it. Now, that's my kind of peace!!! You'll notice if you read the end of verse 39, after Jesus tells the storm to be still, that it goes on to say: "and there was a great calm." When Jesus is involved, you can expect a great calming of your fears and worries.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Philippians 4:6-7, where it tells us to: "not worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He's done. If you do this, you'll experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." My pastor put it this way to sum up this verse: "Don't worry, instead pray. Tell God, thank Him; Then Peace." Wow! That's it? That's it. And it really works. There was a time in my past, when I was going through a very anxious season. I found this verse, wrote it on a notecard, memorized it and said it aloud whenever anxiety tried to creep up (like it's little creeper self). And you know what? The anxiety melted away. But remember not to get lazy about peace. Don't think for one second that anxiety, fear and worry won't try to revisit it's old stomping grounds. Peace is a daily walk. But it's so worth the journey (like beyond worth it). :)
I encourage you to put your trust in the only one who can calm your storm. He will not only calm the storm within you, but "the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." (Zephaniah 3:17) Let's get to the point where we look into the face of a storm, of whatever sort that is, and say:
"Wow, that's impressive. But my God, the actual Prince of Peace, is way bigger than that. Booyah!"
Love,
Peace. Quite Literally.
Love,
Kristin
*(If you're interested in the full series on peace entitled "Peace Be With You" go here.)
My healthy recipe for the day:
If you have a juicer, USE IT! I've had one for about 10 years and am just now falling in love with it's magical, miraculous juicing pOwAh!
I juiced:
3 Romaine leaves (healthy skin; chlorophyll)
2 Celery Stalks (very hydrating, incredibly alkalizing)
1/4 of an English Cucumber (anti-inflammatory, alkalizing)
3 Strawberries (boosts your brain)
1 organic apple (heart health and liver cleansing)
Juice & pour over ice. Super yummy!
