I have had conversations with two or three people recently who seem to be going through more than normal adversity and trials. They are struggling to maintain some normalcy in the midst of major storms. I really understand that scenario and have had some seasons when you think that you must have a large target on you inviting the adversary to take another pot shot.

The disciples found themselves in a boat more than one time where it seemed as though they would sink. One time Jesus was with them and He was sleeping from the weariness of ministry when the storm became so intense that the disciple woke Him up. I think they were amazed that He could sleep through the storm but also commented that it appeared as though He did not care that they were “perishing.” His Father was going to make sure He did not die before His full purpose was fulfilled, but the disciples had yet to really grasp His destiny as the Lamb of God. He arose, rebuked the storm and declared “Peace, be still.” And immediately the storm was calmed.

Most of us are familiar with the scripture that states that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It has been my desire and goal to live that out in my everyday life. The longer I walk with the Lord and apply His principles to my own personal life, the more I am seeing His righteousness, peace and joy manifest in my life circumstances no matter how negative they may seem. Almost every book in the New Testament has a verse about peace, so it is important that we understand what it is and how to get it and maintain it in our life.

The New Testament definition of peace includes a state of rest, quietness and calmness. It generally denotes a perfect wellbeing. (Strong’s #1515) Jesus stated in His last lengthy conversation with His disciples as they were celebrating Passover prior to His death, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27) It is a “peace that passes our understanding”. (Philippians 4:7) and it “will guard our hearts and our minds through Christ Jesus.” In other words, His peace is able to carry you through any circumstance or storm.

How does that become a reality and not just a religious formula or cliché? Simply by renewing our minds to the truth. We have to begin to train our minds to think along the lines of what is true but not necessarily what the facts (the storm) looks like. This is a process but it doesn’t take as long as you might think if you are serious and diligent about renewing your mind to think like God thinks. The next verse in Philippians (4:8) tells us very specifically what we should think about and meditate on. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.” Let me quote it in The Passion Translation: “So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God.”

I think that is going to cause you to reconsider how you spend your time. If you spend hours in front of a television or computer and you are tuned into negative stuff (the news, the state of the world, your nation, your city, your family or your health) your mind will be full of that rather than living and thinking from a place of hope, of eternity, healing and deliverance from whatever has you bound. Separating the truth from the facts is challenging at first, but the more you begin to dwell on the truth, the more you will operate in God’s peace.

I can honestly say that a majority of the time I am now able to live in His peace. I still have plenty of opportunities to go back into fear or anxiety, stress, anger, disappointment and other mindsets that will take you out of that abiding place of rest, quietness, calmness and perfect wellbeing. When I am abiding in His peace I also have “joy unspeakable and full of glory” and I know that His joy is my strength. When the battle or storm gets intense, only His peace and joy will carry you through. If you will take some time and become intentional about what you allow your mind to think about, you can begin to operate in His peace and joy every day.

The facts are usually temporal or temporary. Truth is eternal and never changes.

If you can begin to build or rebuild your belief system around eternal truth, you will live with the benefits of eternity in this present time.

There will be no fear or anxiety, stress, anger, disappointment, etc. in heaven. We will leave that all behind. But remember, we are already seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:6) so that is why we can experience the fruit of our heavenly home even now.