Peace Within Us All the Time

Many times, finding peace within ourselves seems elusive, as there's an adversary that often strikes from within.

Guilt. Self-pity. Regret. Grief. Fear. These giants dwell within us, relentlessly tormenting us day after day, even year after year.

How can we make peace with ourselves?

1. First and foremost, make peace with God.
Embrace the gift of salvation from Jesus. Romans 5:8 tells us that Christ died for us even while we were still sinners. Believe that the blood of Jesus redeems us once and for all. He redeems our past, present, and future sins. Romans 8:1 declares that now there is no condemnation for us. Receive His grace. Surrender your guilt to Jesus, and see Him bear it on the cross. It's finished.

2. Don’t let the outside affect your peace.
In John 16:33, Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Jesus knows that our external circumstances will undoubtedly present challenges. Therefore, don't rely on external conditions to have peace; instead, look to Jesus, who has overcome the world. If we depend on the circumstances around us for peace, we will be disappointed and constantly feel restless.

3. Know this, Jesus never leaves us.
Jesus reaffirms us, saying: "In My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:2).The Father's house speaks of a safe and peaceful place for us and assurance that we will always be with Him. Christ is in us, so actually we are always in the Father's house, in His presence.

4. Walk with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus says: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you" (John 14:16-17).

Our minds and hearts are challenging to control on our own. Yet, by surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, His peace will flow like an ever-flowing river. Some people may fear the Holy Spirit in the wrong way, due to misunderstandings, but know this – He is the Spirit who showers us with peace, not fear.

5. Jesus has already given us His peace. Our part is simply to receive it.
He says: "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).

Receive it.

We can't always control all external circumstances. God can. We can't always control our thoughts and anxieties on our own. Yet God can. And our role is to choose to accept the peace that God has already left for us.