Experiencing God’s peace can seem to be impossible in the chaos of our world today. Everywhere we look, there is bad news. But Jesus, the Prince of Peace, left us His peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
What practical steps can we then take to experience this peace that God gives us in our daily lives?
Spend time with God
The only way to receive from God is to actually be with Him. God is a relational God. He wants to have a relationship with us. A relationship cannot grow if people do not spend time with each other. In the same way, we cannot get to know God and His gifts, including His peace, if we do not spend time with Him.
Come near to God and He will come near to you.
James 4:8 (a)
Reflection Questions: Do you spend time with God daily? Will you start to do so today?
Plan and avoid distractions
Every day starts with 24 hours and we get to choose what we spend those hours on. Some things may not be evil, but they may lead to lost peace. For instance, if I spend two hours playing a game on my mobile phone, I may find myself rushing and stressed as I try to meet other deadlines. Be specific about what you want to achieve each day. This leads to a sense of accomplishment, and peace as you get important things done.
May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4
Reflection Questions: Do you plan your day? Are there any distractions that you need to avoid?
Choose your company wisely
I once had a coworker who loved to tell me what was wrong with her (and everyone else’s life). Because I like to help, I would listen and offer solutions. The challenge was that she never tried the solutions, and we would end up talking about the issues over and over again. That was a draining experience, and I started to see a lot of her issues creeping into my life.
Even the Bible tells us, “Bad company corrupts good morals”. If we spend most of our time with negative people who always focus on what is wrong, we will lose our peace. Help them, but spend more time with people who see potential and possibilities in daily life.
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
Reflection Questions: Are there negative people you need to spend less time with? Are there positive people you need to spend more time with?
Filter what you consume
Social media is a life game change. We are now a global community that can share the beauty of life across the globe thanks to social media. Unfortunately, this also allows unfiltered content daily into our lives. The sad reality is that anything not making us think about Jesus, is drawing us away from Him. The further away from Him we are, the less we feel His peace.
The first way to filter social media content is to avoid anything ungodly, for instance videos with questionable language and images. The second way is to reduce the amount of time spent on social media. This way, we free up our minds and hearts to spend more time in the Word of God, and to experience the peace that follows.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Reflection Questions: Is there social media content you need to stop watching? Are you willing to reduce the amount of time you spend on social media?
Feed your soul
In addition to reading the Bible and memorizing scripture, find other activities that help you to experience God’s peace. I like to unwind by walking in the park, crocheting, or curling up with a good book. Other people like to garden, exercise or play a sport.
Find an activity (outside of your phone, TV, and other devices) that you enjoy, and do it as often as you can. You might find it as refreshing as a breath of fresh air!
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God
1 Corinthians 10:31
Reflection Questions: What activities do you enjoy? Do they help you experience God’s peace and think about God? Will you set aside time in your day to do them more?
Interested in exploring divine peace further? Read this post next on two Christian perspectives on divine peace.
Discover more from 10 Minute Family Devotionals
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.