Finding Peace During Difficult Times

With the hectic pace of our modern world, it is often easy to find ourselves with a lack of peace. Deadlines to meet, unexpected circumstances to handle, and all the mundane tasks that must be done can leave us spent at the end of the day.

Then there are times when everything seems to fall apart in our lives. Situations are more difficult, and even the most routine of tasks seems overwhelming.

Just to keep it real around here I have to share that the past few weeks and even months have been some of the most difficult I’ve experienced in a long time. Several things have happened over which I have had no control. Added on top of that, just getting my daily tasks done have overwhelmed me. I keep thinking things will ease up soon, but I see no end in sight to the things I’m dealing with right now.

I don’t want to stay like this because when I feel like there is no peace in my life it is easy to get discouraged and hopeless.

Today on Facebook I happened to see Bible verses shared by a church I’ve done missions with. They are actually two of my favorite verses.

You 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. Isaiah 26:3-4

These are my takeaways from these verses:

I must keep my mind fixed on God.

When trouble comes, and it always will, I can either focus on my pain and sorrow or I can focus on God.

Jesus said in John 14:27, “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 troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

God wants us to live lives full of peace. However, if we focus on our problems, then this peace will elude us.

I must trust in God.

Not only should I keep my focus on God, I must trust Him and His perfect plan. I know that these times of trouble and frustration can lead me into a deeper relationship with Him if I trust in Him.

Trusting in my own power to get me through difficult times is foolish and will only lead to further frustration.

Know that God is my rock.

When life gets difficult, I need to remember to go to Him first. Not share my troubles on social media or with others. While friends and family can help us through difficult times, we need to rely on God first.

How do you find peace in difficult times?