Peace. Does it ever seem possible? How does one experience peace when life is so difficult and unpredictable? 

We go to great lengths to manufacture peace in our lives. We surround ourselves with the “right” things and the “right” people; search for the perfect job; pad our nest egg; do our best to minimize issues. None of that is enough. Troubles still find us. Stress and anxiety still rear their ugly heads.

In His Word, God provides us with a clear path to experience peace: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV). How do we experience peace? God gives it to us as we remember and trust Him. Remember and trust amid painful, even tragic circumstances? Easier said than done, right?

Absolutely. And, unfortunately, we will never have perfect peace this side of heaven because we get in the way of receiving it. Still, as we grow to trust God more, we will experience greater peace.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, I’m actively engaging in three practices that remind me of God’s faithfulness and help me experience peace more often. I’m learning to let go of my expectations; look back and trace God’s faithfulness; and look up, focusing on the One who holds the world in His hands and turning to Him in prayer, knowing He always hears me. 

Let Go

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 ESV

We don’t know all God does. We’re not aware of all that has happened before, is going on now, and will take place in the future. He is. The Lord has plans we’re not privy to.

Our expectations of how our infinite God will (or should) act are based on finite knowledge and understanding. How can we possibly know? Releasing those expectations to Him and waiting with wonder at what He will do relieves a great deal of stress and worry from our lives, helping us experience peace in greater measure. 

Look Back

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11 ESV

As I look back on my journey through more than five decades of life, I can’t help but notice some pivotal times, both good and bad. Sundays in church. The first Bible I received. My marriage. My grandma’s death. My first miscarriage. The dream I experienced after my first miscarriage. Each subsequent miscarriage. The birth of each of my living children. Each job I held. The first time we were told my daughter would have lifelong disabilities. The death of my parents. Many important days in the lives of my children. The list is endless. Through it all, I see how God has been working it out. 

Looking back proves to be an important practice in experiencing peace. It allows us to notice and remember all God has done in our lives. In a sense, through this practice, we trace His fingerprints.

The Lord placed directives to remember or tell of His deeds throughout the Bible. Remembering His faithfulness is that important. 

Look Up

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV

In our unpredictable life, God brings the predictable. He never changes. We can count on Him to remain faithful. He won’t abandon us, leaving us to battle alone. And He hears all of our prayers. 

Even more, the Lord has already overcome all that assaults us. Our difficult circumstances don’t win, because sin and death have been defeated. God won the victory for us.

So, look up: Keeping our eyes on Him reminds us that nothing is greater than our magnificent God and no one loves us more than He does. 

Experience Peace

Peace—true, lasting peace—comes from the Lord. He offers it to each of us. As we let go of unfulfilled expectations; look back and remember His faithfulness; and look up, keeping our eyes on the Victor, we’ll be open to receiving a peace that passes our understanding. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Reflections: Have you used these practices to experience peace?

To encourage others to look to God for true and lasting peace, I wrote my first book, Everyday Praise: Walking in Greater Peace. Get your copy by clicking the title.