Overcoming Trials

5 Secrets for More Peace in Life

Dusk was just beginning to fall when my husband began building a small campfire in the backyard.  We’d been talking about ways to uncover deeper peace in life, and he bought the fire ring because we’ve always found campfires peaceful.

Sadly, nothing about bundling all three kids into winter gear felt like an invitation to greater peace.  Nevertheless, when the scent of wood smoke wafted toward the house, I pulled out the mittens and started bundling the youngest.

I had no way of knowing it at the time, but that little fire ring would become like a sanctuary: a place to slow down, unplug, and be present with each other.

In the following months, evenings around the campfire offered reprieve and comfort.

We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.

We sat long past bath time and dreamed of summer and camping trips.

Looking back, I will forever be thankful for the season of the campfires.

Finding Peace in Life

We all need places where we can find peace and rest.

You don’t have to sit around a campfire to replenish your soul.  Along with the campfires, I’ve been intentionally pursuing God’s peace in a variety of ways throughout the past season.  Here are a few of the methods I’ve used to shift from stress to peace:

1. For greater peace in life, slow down.

I’ve lived far too much of my life in a hurry.

Throughout the past few months, I’ve been intentionally slowing down.  Refusing to rush.  Giving the kids extra time to get out the door.  Holding the schedule loosely, with a margin for interruptions.

What if we set our agendas aside and focused on loving the people in front of us?

Imagine a life in which you have time for slow walks beneath sunsets, leisurely cups of tea, and unexpected conversations with neighbors.

I can’t help but think we would emerge changed, that the peace we crave just might park itself on our doorsteps and stick around.

2. Choose gratitude over grumbling.

Like so many of us, this spring has challenged me by adding more to certain parts of my life, all while taking away from other parts.  And if I’m honest about it, I don’t love the “more” that has been added to my plate, and I’m sad about what has been taken away.

Amid these adjustments, it has dawned on me that I have a choice.  I can live in a constant state of frustration that my life doesn’t match my expectations, or I can give thanks for what I do have.

I can live in a constant state of frustration that my life doesn't match my expectations, or I can give thanks for what I do have. #peace #gratitude Click To Tweet

The choice is mine.

I can grumble because my house is a mess, or I can give thanks for the kids who make these messes.

I can complain about the weather, or I can make the most of it.

In a similar sense, I can grumble about the work that fills my days, or I can thank God that I have a sense of purpose and a healthy body to complete the work.

3. Face your fears and then relinquish them to God.

We can also uncover deeper peace in life by paying attention to fear, worry, and anxiety.

What are you afraid of today?  Are you worried or anxious about anything?

Most likely, these fears are affecting your peace.

A mentor in my life offered powerful insight this spring.  She suggested we bring our deepest fears and our mental-worst-case scenarios to God.

To do this, you will first need to identify and name your fear specifically.  Are you afraid of losing a loved one, losing a job, failing, or something else?  Tell God about it.  Be as specific as possible.

Once you have named your fear, practice the prayer of relinquishment.  Acknowledge that even if this worst-case scenario happens, God is still good.  He will carry you through.

Here is a sample prayer of relinquishment:

“God, you know I’m afraid of losing my loved one.  I worry about how hard life will be if this happens.  Today, I relinquish this fear to you.  Please lift this heavy burden from me.  I trust that even if this scenario happens, you will be with me to help me and use it for good.  Please help me not to walk in fear.”

This is not an easy prayer to pray.  However, as you ask God to help you pray it, he will give you the strength. You might have to practice ten times a day, but every time is another opportunity to turn toward him yet again.

4. Find deeper peace in life by running to Jesus amid your fears.

I love the story of David slaying Goliath with the giant’s own sword.  The sword that the enemy intended to use to kill David was turned back against him.  Goliath was literally killed with his own sword.

I’m learning that every time a fear, a worry, a doubt, or a troubled thought flies at me like a flaming arrow, I can turn this weapon back on the enemy when I use the negative emotion as a catalyst to send me running to the arms of Jesus.

Every time I begin to worry about the stability of our future, I run to Jesus and acknowledge his power to turn any situation around.

Every time I don’t know what to do about the way the world is unfolding around me, I run to Jesus and acknowledge that he is still in control and he is still on his throne.

We will all find more peace in life if we learn to use the enemy’s attacks as nudges that send us running to the arms of Jesus.  We can run to him by worshiping him, speaking his Word, imagining his arms around us, asking for help, or imagining him sitting on his heavenly throne as he rules over every authority.

5. Ask God to help you trust him with the confusing parts of your life.

What part of your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?

Has this issue been keeping you awake at night or stealing your peace?

Instead of trying to solve this issue, ask God to help you trust him with what you cannot understand.  This is a prayer God will answer.  Cling to the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, which reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.  When we seek him in all ways, he makes our paths straight.

A Free Devotional for Greater Peace in Life

If you are ready to walk in peace, my gift to you today is my free online devotional, Victory Rising: A 2-Week Journey to Defeat Fear, Worry, and Doubt.  This devotional includes 14 daily readings to help you turn the enemy’s weapon of fear against him as you slay this giant with his own sword.  It is yours right here  

These two books are free on Kindle Unlimited or available to purchase in print:

God wants to work in your life to accomplish what you’ve been unable to do through willpower alone.  Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free shares practical ways to experience God’s freedom, healing, power, and presence in your life.  Find this life-changing book for free on the Kindle Unlimited plan or for 12.99 in print right here.  This book will transform your life and revitalize your relationship with the Lord!

Calling all mothers and daughters!

Additionally, my 12-year-old daughter, Bekah, and I wrote a mother-daughter devotional book to help mothers and daughters grow closer together while connecting with God.  Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith includes 60 devotions with Scripture, commentaries from both of us, conversation starters, and even a shared journaling section.  Multitudes of mothers, daughters, mentors, and younger women are being transformed by this book!  You can find your free Kindle Unlimited eBook or buy it in print for just 11.99 right here.

I’m passionate about equipping others to encounter God in powerful and life-changing ways. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me hiking, jogging, exploring wild places with my three young children and husband, leading small groups, and mentoring younger women. A certified special education teacher, I am on leave from the classroom for a season of chasing frogs and playing in creeks with my little ones. Most of all, the compassionate love of Jesus has forever ravished my heart, and I'm emphatic about making his love known to the world.