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I don’t know where you need peace today, but the Lord’s promised help is abundant and certain. (Lee Ann Zanon)

Stepping Out in Faith

“Anxiety and the God of Peace”—the title of this social media post announcing an upcoming seminar piqued my interest. I scanned the details and discovered it would be held at a church my husband and I had previously attended for 20 years. We still had dear friends there, and I knew I would receive a warm welcome... but I felt hesitant.

Because of the church’s broad community outreach, hundreds of people would be in attendance. I’d avoided that type of setting for several years due to TMJ jaw pain triggered by talking amid big crowds. Although the topic was relevant and timely, I did not think I could go.

Information continued to appear as the date of the event drew near. I sensed the Lord asking me to at least pray about it since I had not done so yet. As I did, I knew He was asking me to step out in faith and attend.

Heavy rain that evening required me to choose my driving route carefully, compensating for limited visibility. I felt relieved when I reached the church parking lot—and I prayed before walking toward the building. Friendly greeters met me at the door, but my heart sank as I scanned the auditorium.

Instead of the theater-style seating I had imagined (where social interaction could be minimal), there were at least 50 round tables with six chairs each. It was obvious that group conversation around the tables was expected. People started arriving, and the noise level was significant. I immediately wanted to leave, but became aware of God’s calming prompt to go inside and choose a seat. He directed me to a place at the back, against a wall, in a somewhat quiet area.

Sharing Struggles and Finding God’s Promised Peace

The seminar began soon afterward. One of the speakers said: Anxiety is living the future in our minds before it happens, imagining it without the Lord’s presence. Those words landed in my soul with profound impact, and I knew God had brought me there to hear them. I recognized afresh how often the fear of what-if had controlled my thoughts and choices.

Each member of the discussion panel went on to share their personal struggles. All were seasoned counselors, yet willingly admitted how anxiety had affected their lives. They also expressed the hope and help they had experienced through God’s Word and the support of other believers. I began to breathe easier, knowing I wasn’t alone in my challenges.

Much of the presentation focused on key scriptures (such as these found in Chronic Joy’s Promise of Abundant Peace printable):

• The Lord gives strength to His people. [He] blesses His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)
• Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. (John 14:27a)
• Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times, and in every way. (2 Thessalonians 3:16a)

The printable also notes that peace appears 237 times in the Old Testament and every New Testament book (except 1 John). God desires that we know and live in His peace, which can overcome all fear and worry.

And the peace of God, which transcends all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Learning to Embrace God’s Peace

Seeing a biblical counselor has been vital for me in learning to embrace the Lord’s peace. I’ve acquired beneficial strategies for redirecting my thinking from worry to truth. For example, taking time to identify the causes of what is stealing my peace (such as anxiety, chronic pain, loneliness, or fear of the future) has been valuable and effective. Naming these concerns can stop them from swirling in my mind, enabling me to surrender and entrust each one to God.

I left the seminar that night with renewed peace, knowing God had seen me through a specific crossroad of fear and faith. I gained critical new insights, and the interaction around our table was minimal… even enjoyable!

I don’t know where you need peace today, but the Lord’s promised help is abundant and certain. I pray you’ll seek comfort from His Word, including the verses in Promise of Abundant Peace. I already anticipate how He will encourage and strengthen you in the future!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace You freely offer our hearts and minds. Please remind us to turn to You often and honestly share every concern. Thank You for inviting us to exchange our worries for Your love and grace. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• How does anxiety manifest itself in your life?
• What concerning thoughts or events most often steal your peace?
• Where in Scripture do you discover assurances of God’s peace?