Doesn't it always seem like we are never prepared for the unexpected trials and tests? I should just expect surprises in my life, and you would think I would learn that lesson. For some reason, I just don't look for the unwanted surprises.
The past two weeks have been crazy with surgeries, hospitalizations, car issues, financial worries, and just the chaos of not being on a set schedule. I started thinking about how to position myself to be primed for peace during times in my life when the unexpected happens. I have decided that you actually have to align your mind, heart, and your actions to the Word of God.
The definition of peace is "freedom from disturbance." I have to question whether those times when we are free from disturbance come very often. It seems that you are either in the midst of a trial, going into a trial, or coming out of a trial. At least that's how it appears to look a good bit of the time in my life. I would love to have my heart, mind, and actions be free from disturbance, but honestly, that type of peace only comes if I am able to position myself in God's peace. To have true peace, I must be in a right relationship with my Heavenly Father. That is the only place where true peace can be found.
The definition of the word "primed" is to prepare (someone) for a situation or task, typically by supplying them with relevant information. There are a few things I have learned (and relearned) through scripture that help me position myself to be primed for peace. First, you must be in the Word of God. You will never be able to fight the feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry of the unexpected times in your life without knowing God - His character, miracles, and promises are only found in His Word. You can fight any battle in your heart and mind if you have memorized scripture to draw on. Isiah 26:3 says "You (God) will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Peace comes from placing your trust in God.
Not only must you trust in God to have peace, but you also have to guard your mind. My mind is my greatest enemy. I can literally wake up in the middle of the night and my mind can go crazy thinking of all the "what ifs." Believe me when I say that is a dangerous place to stay. I am basically giving Satan the keys to my mind when I do that.
My only way out of those situations is to replace my thoughts with scripture to anchor my mind. The scripture that I always remember is Philippians 4:8: "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." If I can take the time to stop and focus on God's truth, the countless ways He has rescued me in times past, how He will never leave me, and all the things big and small that I can thank and praise Him for, I will not give the enemy a foothold in my mind.
Peace comes from guarding your mind. There are a ton of scriptures I could list that all talk about God's peace. My problem is placing myself in the correct position for peace, which most of the time is on my knees.
I will never like the unexpected unpleasant surprises that life throws my way. I don't think anyone does. When those times come, I have a choice. Do I trust God, or do I consume myself with worry, fear, and anxiety? One of these choices will bring peace and the other chaos in my heart and mind. When life is out of control and uncertain, speak God's promises aloud.
Remind yourself He has control, and He is good. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The two words in this scripture that are the most comforting are "take heart." God knows the outcome.
With our trust and focus on Him, we are in good hands because He has overcome the world. Prime yourself for peace by preparing for life's unexpected situations as you place your thoughts, fears, anxieties, worries, and your day-to-day life in God's hands. His peace is not something we can generate on our own. It's a peace we receive when we trust God to supply all our needs, realizing He is in control. That is the only way to have a peace that will always keep your mind and heart free from disturbance. Our courage to continue in the hard times that take us by surprise will grow as we realize and remember that He has overcome the world. My friends remember - TAKE HEART!
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Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
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