Peace of mind

Bronc riding: not a source of peace of mind!

Notice the Philippians chapter four freedom, wholeness, mental health sequence so far: 1.Build relational harmony. 2.Rejoice. 3. Pray. 4. Be grateful. Results? Peace of mind. “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.”

“Peace of Mind" is defined by Wikipedia as, “The absence of mental stress or anxiety, and the presence of serenity, calm, quiet, comfort of mind, an inner peace. This shows the importance of peace of mind for overcoming and preventing stress and anxiety. It is actually the antidote for stress and anxiety. Making the mind quiet and calm prevents anxieties, worries, stress and fears and awaken inner strength and confidence.

"Peace of mind is an inner condition, and is independent of external conditions and circumstances. Someone well trained in it, and it is a skill that can be learned, can remain calm and in control of himself and of his mind, even in the midst of problems or difficult and unpleasant situations.”

I’d like to take Wikipedia’s comments and expand them with just one Bible passage. Jesus speaking in John 14:27 says, “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.” I believe that a level of peace of mind is attainable through training. However,Christ gives a depth of peace that the world can’t give – a peace with the Father, who is the source of “all we need.”

That is our challenge. Grow deeply in our awareness of how God provides for His children. Obey and act accordingly, praying with a grateful spirit. PEACE

Instead of getting anxious and fearful, instead of thinking negative thoughts and expecting the worst, instead of getting tense, unsatisfied and unhappy, you can choose to stay emotionally and mentally poised and unshaken. You can experience inner peace and happiness, as well as inner strength and confidence as focus is on our Source for life!

Some of the benefits of peace of mind:
# Deeper concentration to handle efficiently the daily affairs of life.

# It enables you to be less affected by what people think or say about you.

# It makes you feel relaxed and free, eliminating anxiety and worry.

Praying with a grateful spirit brings a peace of mind that is deeper than anything the world can provide for us. Our next post in the Philippians series will cover verse 8: focus.