You have the peace of God within you

In the entire world, there has never been another person like you. Created in ‘God’s own image’ (Genesis 1:27), you are rare, precious, and ‘fearfully and wonderfully made.’ (Psalm 139:14). So, never underrate your great worth. Or count yourself out. For, you’re ‘God’s masterpiece,’ (Ephesians 2:10) ‘His treasured possession.’ (Deuteronomy 14:2).

You have the peace of God within you. So why are you spending your precious days worrying?

A while ago, I heard about a businesswoman who was a chronic worrier. Sometimes, her troubled mind could not think clearly and logically. But, at last, after years of persistent worrying, she learned a secret that worked amazingly well to enable her to break the “worry” habit with great effectiveness.

One afternoon at the office, the businesswoman was discussing with a coworker how she finally broke the “worry” habit. Pausing for a moment, the co-worker frowned and whispered, “I don’t remember the last time I haven’t worried.”

There seemed to be complete silence as the businesswoman explained, “It’s such a small thing that I do to stop worrying. Yet, it has made a big difference for me.” The co-worker looked skeptical.

Then, her face softened. She leaned forward and questioned, “Please tell me… what’s the secret.” Nodding, yes, the businesswoman uttered, “The cycle of negative thoughts and worry are destructive forces that can keep us from fulfilling the great, predestined purpose that God has laid out for our lives. So, in my office, I have a daily tear-off calendar. Before I leave to go home, I tear off the page for that particular day. I drop it in the pail and say a short prayer to God.”

The co-worker listened carefully.

Continuing, with a grateful smile, she murmured, “I don’t bring my fears and worries home with me. I leave them in the Lord’s hands. Then, I take out my Bible Promise book and mediate on what God says about any circumstance with which I’m confronted.”

This simple ritual has allowed this businesswoman to release her accumulated worries. She stopped focusing on her problems and looked to God for help and guidance. Hence, the businesswoman was able to relax. She kept a peaceful atmosphere in her family home and got a good night’s sleep. And the next day, she awoke joyful, thankful, and excited for the day ahead.

Like this businesswoman, you have too much going for you to spend this important time of your life worrying. The more you think about and discuss negative circumstances or continue to rehash past mistakes and regrets, the more you give life to that negativity. And similar to poison ivy, those unconstructive thoughts can become contagious and grow and grow.

If something happens that causes you worry, refuse to give in to it. Instead, think positively; fill your mind with thoughts of love, hope, and peace, to increase your sense of well-being. Count your many blessings. Help others. Focus on a meaningful purpose. Pray. And relax. There are abundant blessings to come, for there is no limit to what God can do for you. Therefore, all through the day, keep God foremost in your mind and mediate on His promises:

Perhaps, you are concerned about finances. However, God promises, “I will supply all of your needs...” (Philippians 4:19).

You may be worried about situations that are challenging you now. Yet, God promises, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).

You could be agonizing because people might have tried to hurt or deceive you. But, God promises, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17).

Possibly, you are worried that your dreams will ever come to be. Nevertheless, God promises, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3).

You could be fearful about what will happen tomorrow. Though, God promises, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).

Or, you’re worried as you face yet another setback. Still, God promises, “Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

While we should always be striving to improve, we also have to allow God to do His work. So do not measure problems according to your own abilities. Rather, hand situations that you cannot manage yourself over to God … and He will do the rest.

I read in the Bible beginning in Luke Chapter 8:40, that there was a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years, and no one could heal her. She was weak, with little strength, yet she saw Jesus and was determined to reach Him. In place of worrying, she believed that, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” (Mark 5:28). So, the woman persisted. She took positive action, and worked her way through the crowds until she came up just behind Jesus. Then, she reached out her hand and touched the edge of His cloak. Immediately, her bleeding stopped.

Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” But nobody knew. Nonetheless, Jesus felt ‘that power had gone out from him.’ The woman then fell at his feet. She told why she had touched him, and how she had been instantly restored to health. Next, Jesus spoke to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34).

Today, if you have any worries, ask the Lord to lift them from off your shoulders. It is our faith that will free us from anxiety, fears and uncertainties. So, take courage, persist in putting your fears into the Lord’s capable hands, and dare to trust in Him. And He will say to you, as He said to the woman in the Bible, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go forward in peace.”

It is only a matter of time before unjust circumstances turn around. Thus, allow God’s peace to rule within your heart as you chose to trust in God for today, tomorrow and the future. And you’ll receive amazing blessings straight from God’s Hand to you.