Main Title : How To Have A Peaceful Mind

By Pastor Michael Magbag

Scripture :

Matthew 6:31-33

New International Version (NIV)

³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Not many people are really at peace with themselves. So often we are bothered by memories of past mistakes, troubled by present circumstances and worried about coming future events. “Troubled on every side,” as St. Paul wrote.

When you let your mind relax, is it instantly filled with anxious thoughts? Is your heart troubled? Do you worry about the future?

It is said that you find peace in being “true to yourself.” As Shakespeare says, “This above all; to thine own self be true.” This actually may be closer to the idea of being “sincere”. Will mere sincerity bring you peace?

Pacifism recommends that we should exert every effort to get along with others. Then, they say, we will be at peace. Is merely the absence of war consistent with heartfelt mental peace?

Still others claim that peace may be some form of mental discipline. “Just don’t let things bother you. Ignore everything. It’s not my business, so I don’t care.” I’ve heard people say, when things get really chaotic, “Not my circus, not my monkeys!” In other words, I don’t need to be caught up in this. I’m peaceful… zen…chill. Yeah, right...

All of the above seem reasonable but they don't work to bring real peace at a core level.  David wrote in the Psalms, “You find rest in God alone.” A peaceful heart is a heart at rest. A peaceful mind is a mind at rest. When we can lay down in peace and sleep, what a blessing!

We should not assume that peace will always be there in our hearts and minds. Sometimes our lives are overtaken by stress and unforeseen and unpredictable events. The key is to know that regardless of how chaotic our lives are, God is always there. The Lord Jesus is the “Prince of Peace.”

God is moved by none of these difficulties in our lives. We can find rest and peace in God alone. Just pause right now and give all your worries to God. Ask Him to guide you and help you toward the right path.

There, in that place of trust and relinquishment, peace will come.