There are so many people living stressed, anxious, frustrated, or even depressed. Too many of us are not walking in the freedom that Christ has provided for us. We have allowed our situations, circumstances, and problems to control how we live. The truth is that Jesus died for you to have life more abundantly (see John 10:10). So what is this abundant life that Jesus died for us to have?

Today I want to write about experiencing an abundance of peace. Just the other day I was at my mom’s house talking to her about all the things that were stressing me out: my husband being out of town, going back to work in my classroom, the start of a new school year, my son needing to be potty trained, and the list went on and on. As I listened to my mom’s wisdom, she reminded me of a scripture in John 14. I’ll share it with you: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me” (John 14:1). Jesus reminds us to not allow our hearts to be troubled. As I came back home I read all of chapter 14. Later in the chapter, Jesus told his disciples in verse 27: “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.” Once again He reminds to not let our hearts be troubled.

When you heart is troubled, you have no peace. In other words, you and I are being controlled by our outside circumstances. I felt the Holy Spirit whisper in my heart, “When you feel stressed, anxious, or frustrated, it’s because you are trying to do everything in your own strength, when in fact, you should be depending on God’s strength!” Isn’t that the TRUTH though???

Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

God did not intend for us to carry all of the stress of this world on our shoulders. He clearly tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” God cares about what you are going through. He cares about what is afflicting you. He cares about what is troubling your heart right now.

Decide today that from this moment on, you will cast your cares on Him. Decide that you are going to do whatever it takes to PROTECT YOUR PEACE. This could look like, reading and meditating on God’s Word, listening to faith-filled messages, praying, writing in your gratitude journal. Whatever you gotta do to keep your peace. JUST DO IT!

I encourage you today to stop allowing the enemy to steal your peace. It’s time to take back what is rightfully ours!!!

God Bless You!
Ofelia Lawrence