Steps to Peace When You Feel Unsettled

Kathy Carlton Willis reminds me of the Energizer Bunny. She accomplishes more in one week than I do in one month! In all her busyness, she's always got a wise and cheerful word of encouragement as she spreads God's truth along her way. However, Kathy is very transparent about her humanness. In this Peace UPGRADE, she reminds us that there are times God allows uneasiness in our lives for a reason—He wants us to find our peace and purpose in Him.

“I’m starting the year feeling uninspired and restless,” says Kathy.

When I (Dawn) read that, honestly, I was shocked. Kathy is one of the most goal-oriented people I know. But knowing her, she didn't stay unsettled for long.

Kathy continues . . .

I live life with intention, and I try not to base my to-do list on what I feel. Productivity can only happen with a plan and with discipline.

But there are times God allows us to feel unsettled because He’s about to help us let go of something and reach ahead to something different.

That’s where I am right now. Even while I wait, God is giving me peace, and I know He will give peace to you as well.

Sorting Out the Essentials

I’ll never forget the year we moved from a 4,100-square-foot historic home to an 800-square-foot rental. As you can imagine, it took a great deal of sorting our belongings into essentials and non-essentials. Learning to prioritize what to keep, what to sell, and what to store helped.

I asked myself these questions.

• Is it necessary?
• Will it go with my new surroundings?
• Do I have room for it?
• Will I miss it if it’s gone?
• Does it have special meaning to me?

These questions also come to my aid when I ask God to help me prioritize my life choices.

Is it necessary? When our choices match up with the direction of God in our lives, the Holy Spirit gives us a satisfied peace.

Will it go with my new surroundings? Our locality dictates how we can best reach others for Christ. There are different cultures and traditions we must learn and adapt to (without changing biblical doctrines, of course).

Do I have room for it? There are many good options, but God doesn’t expect us to have room for each one of them in our lives. He will help us determine how to best use the abilities He has gifted us with for His glory and for the good of others.

Will I miss it if it’s gone? I’m sensing God is leading me to let go of some things in my life to make room for the new. This question helps me sort it out and add the essence of what I might miss into a new option.

Does it have a special meaning to me? We allow so many mundane, ordinary activities to fill our lives that we lose our joy. Will the love, joy, and peace in my life bubble over and splash on others so they can experience how special a life in Christ can be?

Do you have any extra life baggage you need to get rid of?

Letting go will deliver a new parcel of peace your way. We can do that as we seek God’s direction.

Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. (Psalm 119:165 NLT)

There are two great benefits to loving God’s instructions. When we desire to obey His Word, we have all the resources we need for great peace and the ability to not stumble.

There’s never enough reserve in our own selves to work up even a limited version of peace, let alone a God-sized portion of peace. But the good news is that we can always find peace as we find our way back to God.

 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

This is one of my all-time favorite Bible verses on peace in Scripture.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• How do you fix your thoughts on God?
• Where do you tend to let your thoughts be focused instead?
• What does trust have to do with being kept in perfect peace?
• What does fixing your thoughts on God have to do with experiencing perfect peace?

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NLT)

Paul gave the Romans so much rich detail regarding the victory we can have as we determine to grow in trusting God.

There is something special about seeing words such as fill, completely, and overflow. We often study about peace because we do not feel filled to overflowing!

If we’re honest, sometimes, we feel empty or drained.

Is there an area in your life in which you are struggling to trust in God for your peace?

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 Aaron Burden at Unsplash.

Look for the Sign

Kolleen Lucariello has the unique gift of turning everyday circumstances into fun, intriguing, and life-altering lessons. In this Christmas UPLIFT post, she points us to three positive ways to discover the presence of Jesus this season.

I (Dawn) found this post point on for motivating the true Christmas spirit. But first, a funny story.

Here's Kollen . . .

“You’re in the wrong lane!” I shrieked as we approached our exit at a rather rapid rate, while boxed in by an enormous amount of traffic.

My driver, aka my husband, quickly darted over just in time to avoid a navigational miss.

“Why isn’t she talking to me?” He grumbled in frustration.

Which “she” was he referring to? I wondered.

“Wait. Who isn’t talking to you?” I asked.

My eyes had been in a book. I had no explanation for why his other copilot, Siri, had gone silent. I did question why he hadn’t seen the sign, however.

“I wasn’t looking for a sign.” He said, “I was waiting for her to talk.”

After years of significant Interstate travel, I knew exactly what happened—he’d gone into the zone. He was lost in thought with his eyes focused on the destination. Everything else became secondary.

“Well,” I said, half-teasing—half-terrorized, “Perhaps you could do both!”

The scene had nearly put me into heart-failure. Common, I think, when frightened by an unforeseen event.

No Siri on That Christmas

Incidents like this can help me empathize with the shepherds who were minding their business—as they did every other night—when they experienced their own startling and completely unexpected event. Imagine the look on their faces when an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The New English Translation says the situation “left them absolutely terrified” (Luke 2:9).

Understandable.

Terrified in the moment, but after listening to the proclamation of the Lord, it would seem no time was wasted in their departure to Bethlehem. That was enough for them to go “look for the sign” that would “lead them to find” (Luke 2:11).

Did they follow the star as the Magi had?

Can you imagine trying to follow a star? Without Siri to clarify every turn I wonder how long it took them.

Regardless of time, I know they did not give up until they found the one they’d been seeking. The reward for their obedience to go and look for the sign led them right to the presence of God.

Oh, that I might have the same tenacity to look for the sign that will always lead me into the presence of Jesus, rather than allow my troubles to become my focus. Especially during the season of Christmas when the pain of loss or the end of tradition seems to amplify its raging voice.

Are you looking for a sign that will lead you to enter in and experience the presence of Jesus?

Look for the Sign

Perhaps it’s the Sign of HOPE?

Every time the Israelites faced a new set of circumstances, they grumbled rather than remember God’s faithfulness through the years.

Are you able to “set your hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe?” (1 Timothy 4:10, ESV).

The Sign of PEACE?

Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He promised that when we remain in Him we will have peace.

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV).

We will never have peace that surpasses all understanding until we encounter the presence of Jesus.

A Sign of JOY?

Jesus promised that keeping His commandments and abiding in His love infuses us with His joy, and that would produce joy within that would overflow. (John 15:10-11).

We can abide in his love and experience the presence of his joy when we can’t muster it on our own.

Ultimately, what we look for we will find.

The shepherds could have tried to explain away what they’d just witnessed. They may have had a list a mile long of why they shouldn’t, or couldn’t, leave their location.

Yet, they didn’t.

Instead, they “said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord has made known to us.’ So they hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger” (Luke 2:15b-16, NET).

It was because they looked for the recognizable sign that others were made aware of the identity of this baby boy.

He was so much more than your typical child; He was Christ the Lord.

Are you waiting for God to reveal a sign when He’s asking you to simply recognize His presence is already with you?

Avoid a navigational miss: go and make others aware of all the Lord has made known to you.

Who does God want you to help discover the presence of Jesus this holiday season?

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, is the author of #beYOU: Change Your Identity One Letter at a Time and is the Co-Director of Activ8Her, Inc. She is passionate to help every woman realize her identity in Christ and live accordingly. Kolleen and her hubby, Pat, make their home in Central New York. She’s the mom of three grown children and Mimi to six incredible grands. For more information about Kolleen, visit www.speakkolleen.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of ooceey at Pixabay.

Hunting Down Peace

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.

Guardrails for Your Heart

Kathy Carlton Willis writes with whimsy and wit, insight and encouragement. In this Wellbeing UPGRADE, she shares four ways to protect our hearts.

“Lately, I’ve been told I’m more guarded than I used to be," Kathy says. "I’m afraid of being burned again. There are times to be cautious, and times to be more open.”

I (Dawn) think everyone has been hurt in some way. We do tend to guard our hearts, but not always in a healthy way. I appreciate Kathy's insight into how we can guard our hearts in good, biblical ways.   

Kathy continues . . . 

In fairytales, the castle often has amoat surrounding it and only those permitted to enter are allowed to use the drawbridge. The moat provides a way to guard the property from intruders.

The Bible talks about guarding our hearts and I wonder if we can use a moat-method to protect what God values—our hearts.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” Proverbs 4:23 (NLT).

First, what is the heart?

We know the Bible isn’t talking about the muscle that pumps blood to the rest of our body. It is the inner being that includes our mind, will, soul, and thoughts.

It is our decision maker. Our thoughts define who we become. In this way, it is the source of our authentic identity.

What we let in to our hearts helps determine what we feel and what we choose.

It is vital to guard our hearts and minds! When we guard well, we use God’s discernment gift to grow in wisdom.

What are the enemies of our hearts?

Anything that tries to come against us and derail us.

We need to protect our hearts from whatever is likely to interfere with what Eugene Peterson called, “long obedience in the same direction.”

• Enduring faith is threatened by doubts and discouragement.
• Being overwhelmed by stress and fatigue endangers what makes every day the potential for a good day—a God-day.

A moat helps protect what is valued from potential threats. But what if we are the worst enemy of our own hearts?

Sometimes we allow too much time exploring our thoughts and our feelings, and it hinders us from what is best for our inner being. In this case, a moat won’t protect us!

Let’s use a different image than a moat, then.

What if we used GUARDRAILS to keep us from going off track?

Personal Guardrails

1. Maintain your heart on a regular basis.

Look how the NKJV words our verse (Proverbs 4:23):

“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”

I think of the road crews I see working on guardrails—and the signs they post to be careful when damage is done.

2. Tap in to God’s peace.

When we experience God’s peace, He equips us with what we need to guard our hearts.

The key is the last part of the following verse—to live in Christ Jesus.

“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 4:7 NLT).

3. Store up God’s Word.

Stock up on supplies—in this case the words in the Bible have the power to help us guard our hearts.

The guardrail is in place so we don’t stray from God’s will.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9–11 ESV).

4. Treasure heavenly things, not earthly ones.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21 NLT).

As you can see, guardrails for our hearts don’t just magically appear. We have to build and maintain them. It is important work.

The heart is not only what we take to heaven with us when we die, but it helps us as we represent the King here on earth.

We can tell what’s in our hearts by evaluating what we say:

"But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them" (Matthew 15:18).

We may not live fairytale lives, complete with castles and moats, but we get to serve a King who blesses us with heavenly treasures. The drawbridge leading to Him is Jesus Christ.

When He dwells in our hearts, we have yet another reason to put our guard up—to have restricted access to our inner beings: we don’t want to allow anything to compete against Jesus for lordship in our lives.

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (Ephesians 3:17 NLT).

What guardrails will you put in place to protect your heart?

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. Her latest books are The Grin Gal’s Guide for Wellbeing: Being Well in Body, Soul & Spirit, and the ancillary product, The Grin Gal’s Planner for Wellbeing. Set yourself up for success by joining one of Kathy’s virtual wellbeing groups. More information at kathycarltonwillis.com.

7 Steps—Replace Fretting with Peace

Joanie Shawhan, a cancer survivor and registered nurse, understands how anxiety can take charge and make us lose peace. In this Peace UPGRADE, she focuses on a special psalm that gives solid counsel for replacing fretting and returning to a place of peace in the Lord."Once again, a friend of mine chided me for fretting as I raged about the pervasive evil I saw in the world today," Joanie said. “This is not your circus. These are not your monkeys.”

Oh, how I (Dawn) understand that! How often I have taken on issues and burdens the Lord never intended me to carry. I'm reminded of the old hymn that says, "Oh, what peace we often forfeit..." Joanie explains how we can stop forfeiting our peace.

Joanie continues . . .

All of these circumstances in the world were beyond my control and out of the realm of my influence. Where was the God of Justice?

I had become stuck in a rut of fretting.

A rut rooted in the fear of the future that I had dug through anxiety and worry.

Living in Wisconsin, I’m familiar with ruts. Our wheels spin on snowy roads and create furrows that refuse to disappear until the snow melts.

Ruts become dangerous obstacles that can easily throw us off course.

My pattern of fretting had derailed me. It distracted me from God’s purpose and robbed me of peace. I listened to the voices of the world yammering in my ears and forgot to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit.

But God reminded me: Do not fret—it leads only to evil (Psalm 37:8 NIV).

I needed a course correction.

How could I avoid the rut of fretting and restore peace?

God offered me a roadmap to peace.

Seven principles from Psalm 37

1. Do Not Fret (v. 1).

According to Scripture, fretting leads only to evil. If I want to follow Jesus and turn away from evil, I need to steer clear of the habitual patterns of agitation and anger that deepen the rut of fretting.

Jesus has called me to walk in righteousness and make right choices through faith in Him.

And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever (Isaiah 32:17 NLT).

2. Trust in the Lord (v. 3).

God is faithful and trustworthy even when I don’t understand His plan. My fears and anxiety do not change who He is. They only rob me of my ability to see Him as He is—my loving Father who is constant in His care for me.

Sometimes trust is a choice.

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3 NLT).

3. Do Good (v. 3).

In spite of the evil churning around me, God’s Word tells me to never get tired of doing good (Galatians 6:9-10 NLT).

Even in the face of adversity, I’m called to love and serve others in humility.

He also commands me to pray for my enemies and those who may do me harm.

4. Delight in the Lord (v. 4).

To delight in the Lord, I must focus on who God is, on His power and majesty. When my eyes are turned toward the Lord, I can’t focus on myself, my circumstances, and those situations that rob my peace.

Delighting in the Lord comes with a promise.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him (Psalm 37:23 NIV).

5. Commit Your Way to the Lord (v. 5).

God is the one who will order my steps. My days are in His hands.

Even when the evil is personal or I feel betrayed, God is the one who will vindicate me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT).

6. Be Still Before the Lord (v. 7).

Sometimes I’m so busy grumbling and complaining that I neglect to listen. I’ve discovered that when I’m quiet and still, I’m more apt to hear the voice of the Lord.

His voice and His presence will restore my peace by reminding me of who He is.

Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

7. Wait Patiently for Him (v. 7)

Patience is not my virtue. I want to rush God, especially when he takes longer to answer my prayers than I would like.

But I need to remember God is not finished yet.

For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! (Isaiah 30:18b NIV).

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

By following God’s words of wisdom, I can avoid the dangerous rut of fretting.

What ruts of fretting rob your peace?

Joanie Shawhan shares true-life stories, offering her reader an eyewitness view of the action. Her Selah Awards Finalist book, In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer, reflects the value of “Your story plus my story become our stories.” An ovarian cancer survivor and registered nurse, Joanie speaks to medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program. She co-founded an ovarian cancer social group: The Fried Eggs—Sunny-Side Up. Publishing credits include: Guideposts Divine Interventions, Snapshots of Hope & Heart, Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom, Life Repurposed, and We May Be Done But We’re Not Finished. Follow Joanie at www.joanieshawhan.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Anne Nygård at Unsplash.