In a world filled with stress, chaos, and constant distractions, finding peace of mind can feel impossible. However, the Word of God offers timeless wisdom to guide us toward that goal. We offer four key actions for your consideration that will help cultivate a peaceful mind through scripture.
1. Trust God
One of the most unmitigated sources of anxiety is fear, or uncertainty about the future. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are reminded: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Our decision to trust God with all aspects of our journey is paramount to possessing God’s peace. Believing He has a purpose for us in every situation, that He is in control, can help erase anxiety and replace it with peace. The terms peace and joy are often used interchangeably. In our counseling sessions we define joy as ‘the quiet confidence that God has our back no matter what the situation.’ It is our belief that God is trustworthy and therefore worthy of our trust, followed by our quiet confidence that He will do what He says He will do. Lastly, we demonstrate our confidence by our own willingness to rest in it.
2. Give Your Troubles to Him
Carrying emotional burdens takes a toll on our mental and spiritual well-being. Instead of hauling our burdens around in our preverbal wagon, God invites us to unload the wagon of unnecessary junk. That which we cannot unload, He invites us to hand over our worries and concerns to Him. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." In our Christian counseling sessions, our therapists teach clients how to empty the wagon through decisive decision making, while seeking wisdom through prayer, and trusting God’s sovereignty for the outcomes. ‘Casting all your anxiety on Him’ is not magic. It is a spiritual discipline we can teach you. The result is increased confidence in God, and a decrease in anxiety. Combining professional guidance with biblical principles provides a solid foundation for overcoming anxiety and stress. (Read the blog “What’s in Your Wagon?” for a better understanding of this concept.)
3. Meditate on Scripture
The thoughts we dwell on shape our emotional state. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By meditating on God's Word – the Bible, we align our minds with His truth, which leads to a more peaceful mindset. Romans 12.2 tells us to leave behind the thinking patterns of this world and allow our lives to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. What does that mean? In part, it means to allow the truth of scripture to be first and foremost in our mind, which will replace thoughts of worry and anxiety. John 8 teaches that truth will set us free – but it does so only when we put our trust in that truth which is referring to God’s Word.
4. Seek God. Pursue Peace
True peace comes from regularly being in God's presence. Isaiah 26:3 says,"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." Investing time reading and studying scripture, prayer, meditation, serving others, and worship, invites God's presence and therefore, peace into our hearts. It’s been my observation that individuals who strengthen their relationship with God through these spiritual practices tend to experience emotional balance and peace of mind more consistently than those who don’t.
Trust in Him, empty your wagon by decision making and casting your cares on Him, ponder on His truth, and seek His presence daily. Whether a person is dealing with anxiety, depression, or any other issue, seeking God is a vital step toward healing. The second vital step is acknowledging that we occasionally need assistance in navigating a way forward that makes sense. We at Homestead Hope Counseling can help.
We provide that help today so you can have hope for tomorrow!
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