Kathy Carlton Willis is simply a dynamo! She accomplishes more in one day than I do in a week. She may be challenged, but she knows where to go for peace. In this Peace UPGRADE, she explains how to hunt down peace when stresses and troubles come.
“As Christians," Kathy says, "we have a pretty good idea about the benefits of peace, but it’s time to put it into action."
I (Dawn) like what Kathy says about activating peace—it goes beyond a feeling. We need to pursue peace—to track it down!
Kathy continues . . .
The Bible shows us how peace can change us.
What would happen if we activated peace to make a difference in our own lives and in the world around us? I don’t think I could ever get enough of this kind of peace.
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid (John 14:27 NLT).
When was the last time you looked at peace as a gift from Jesus? It’s a peace that soothes both the mind and the heart—He knows right where we need it!
Jesus lived on earth long enough to know that the world apart from Him does not offer this kind of peace. It’s like an exclusive bonus when we’re in a growing relationship with Him.
This gift will help us not be troubled or afraid. When we find ourselves feeling worried or fearful, we know what we have to do.
We need to hunt down peace!
And we know where to find it. So, it’s just a matter of receiving that gift He has lovingly prepared for us.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT).
Rather than waiting for peace to find you, I challenge you to hunt down peace and make it a living, breathing part of your life.
Here are some ways to do that, from Philippians 4:6–7.
1. Don’t worry about anything.
Easier said than done, but if you read the rest of this passage, it will tell you how it’s done.
2. Pray about everything.
If you haven’t prayed about it, do. And if you have prayed about it, pray some more. And if you have covered this thing you worry about in prayer, then pray for everything else.
This verse says we are to pray about everything.
3. Tell God what you need.
He knows it, but it helps you when you talk about it with Him.
When we tell God what we need, we put ourselves in a state of reliance, dependent on Him for the outcome.
4. Thank God for all he has done.
Take time in your prayer to do more than simply telling Him your needs.
Show gratitude for all the answered prayers and provisions you’ve previously received. Rehearse the blessings.
It blesses God when we appreciate what He has done for us. And it puts us in a better frame of mind.
5. Experience blow-your-mind peace when you do these things.
This peace doesn’t make sense, and we can’t humanly try to understand it or recreate it without God.
6. Live for Christ, and His peace will guard your heart and mind.
This peace is a gift, yes, but it will stay active as we devote every breath, every act, every choice to His service.
When we do that, His peace guards our hearts and minds. It guards against the things that attempt to destroy our peace, as well as Satan’s tactics to get us to not live for God.
Once we incorporate the principles of Philippians 4 into our lives, we’re ready to see peace permeate every part of our lives.
Here are some examples of action steps to experience more peace.
Action Steps to Peace
1. Seek healthful peace.
When we lack peace of mind, it affects our health.
God’s peace will give us a calm assurance, delivering rest to body, soul, and spirit.
When His peace envelops us, it becomes like a bulletproof vest.
Stress and worries don’t penetrate our peace.
2. Enjoy the peace of healthy relationships.
When you not only take on the traits of a peace-filled Christ-follower, but also become a peacemaker with others, you will find relationships grow and strengthen.
Peace helps you learn how to respond rather than react.
- Responding is acting based on pre-determined principles (for Christians, biblical foundations).
- Reacting is acting before thinking, based on how the circumstance makes you feel.
A peace-focused believer notices when tension is building in a situation and addresses potential conflicts before they harm relationships.
3. Embrace hope even in seemingly hopeless situations.
As you cling to hope, a stronger peace surfaces.
Hope and peace are natural heartmates. One influences the other. God’s peace feeds your hope, and hoping in God matures your peace.
Hope is an expectation for better things ahead. When you rest in that assurance, peace is your pillow.
4. Seek contentment in your current dissatisfaction.
You will never know God’s success if your primary focus pushes you to acquire more material belongings and accomplishments. God didn’t design us for that kind of perceived success.
But His peace will help you be content, no matter the conditions in your life.
Think of the circumstances your friends and loved ones are facing. How can you bring more peace to their lives to help alleviate their burdens?
Kathy Carlton Willis is God’s Grin Gal. She writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Over a thousand of Kathy’s articles 
have been published and she has several books in her Grin Gal brand. Today’s Upgrade with Dawn is inspired by Kathy’s latest Bible study, The Grin Gal’s Guide to Peace. Consider using one of Kathy’s books for your next small group or study. More information at www.kathycarltonwillis.com.
Graphic adapted, courtesy of Joe Pohle at Unsplash.