Reduce the noise and hear God’s truth
You can’t remove all the noise, but you can reduce it to focus on God. It’s hard to focus on God when we’re constantly surrounded by noise and always on the run. Will we be okay if we miss a ‘must see’ TV show? What we really need is ‘must be time’ to be still and know that He is God and enter into the quiet with Him. Don’t fear the quiet. Allow God speak to you through prayer and His word.
Can we unplug a little from social media for a week or even a day, okay how about a half a day? Take the unplug challenge. Lighten up a bit, work less, rest more.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 4:6-7
Value peace in your relationships
If it matters little to you whether or not you are experiencing peaceable relationships you won’t pursue peace. If it does matter, you will seek to keep your accounts settled with others as best as you can and do your best to promote peace, but you cannot have peace at any price!
As Martin Luther said,“Peace if possible, but the truth at any rate.” If you sacrifice truth for the sake of peace you will have a fragile peace that will be less likely continue. That does not mean that we need to win the war of words and run over people to prove our point.
No one benefits when we have a reputation of always being right while leaving a trail of wounded people in our wake. You can choose to be diplomatic and honor the person you disagree with. As the Apostle Paul said, speak the truth in love.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
Get rid of your enemies of peace
(see What’s Keeping you from Peace?)
No pastor, counselor, self- help book, 800 number, salary, perfect kids or job will bring you peace. They may help, but only God’s spirit can help you experience real lasting peace.
Do not confuse peace with an obsessive controlling desire for order
If you know you have a compulsive personality please know you frustrate those close to you by insisting others have your standards. Ouch. Stop and assess what kind of order are you expecting and why?
You cannot achieve peace by driving others crazy with your own expectations. A place for everything and everything in its place. That is a good principle, but life is always in flux. People are more important than things being in their place. You might hope that others will conform to your perspective, but they’re not you.
Restructure one or two areas in your life
Focus on one area or role. If it is reorganizing your home, start with be one room and then another. If you’re prioritizing vital relationships start with one and then slowly move on to another. When you start to do something about what’s most important in your life there will be a fair amount discomfort and challenge.
Take advantage of times of peace in your life
Rejoice when your relationships are in a peaceable order! Enjoy it, celebrate it and preserve it the best you can. Yes, you want peace, but peace begins with God.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
Peace, that’s what I need, His Peace. I want to learn from Him and receive His peace. It is available for you now. You do have a choice. You can avoid peace or pursue God’s way. Exchange your lack of peace and restlessness for His rest. You won’t regret it.
