How to Remain in Peace Under Adverse Circumstances

I believe one of the main tactics of the enemy is bombarding us with circumstances that steal our peace. Peace is a by-product of a relationship with Jesus, but there are times when the enemy strikes hard to get us to remain burdened, entangled, and frustrated.

How can we remain in peace when life is difficult, trying, and causes us to lose our focus on Jesus?

• Pull back and get in the presence of God. Listen to praise and worship music, and allow the praises to fill your weary soul. The enemy will not stick around if you are praising the Lord.
• Lift your burdens and cares to God. You may have to do this often if you are undergoing a severe trial.

Cast your care on the Lord, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

• Run to the throne not the phone. Telling everybody that you know about your troubling circumstances can cause more trouble for you. It is okay if you have a trusted prayer partner or spouse that you can ask for prayer, but be cautious about repeating your woes to others. God wants us to come to Him and trust that He will take care of your concerns. It is also okay to ask others to pray for you without hashing out every detail of your situation.

• Pull down ALL negative thoughts and vain imaginations that will try and infiltrate your mind. You may feel that your thoughts are intrusive and possibly disturbing, but recognize this is a scheme from the enemy to pull you down even further. (Philippians 4:8, Isiah 26:3, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

• Watch what you speak out loud. It is not just your thoughts you should be careful about, but your words as well. When we are tired, our words are much more careless. The enemy knows this, and will try and get you to speak out what has been in your heart. This is why it is very important to spend time with God, so that He can speak truth to you, and give you wisdom concerning the circumstances that face you. (Psalm 19:14)

• Do not make any drastic changes during stressful times. If you are already over-burdened, it is not the time to make life-altering decisions, wait until you are well-rested before making major decisions for your life or for others.

• WAIT to hear from God. Do not react to what your flesh, other people or even the enemy may be telling you. When we are in turmoil, and are surrounded by confusion, it is uncomfortable. We may seek a quick answer to our problem, but God may be working things out that you cannot see with your physical eyes. When God gives you a nudge to do something, there is a peace about it. When we hear our flesh, or the enemy, tell us do it now, hurry up or that we should or ought to be doing something, there is no peace but anxiousness, frustration, and guilt.

During times when life is throwing you one hardball after another and you are consumed with heaviness, anxiety, fear or doubt, go before God and sit quietly and listen to His voice. Hearing His voice can be difficult if your mind is racing and you are feeling on edge, so start first by listening to worship music and let the praises to God prepare you to hear His voice. Never underestimate asking God for His help and His protection. God does care about your situation and He will listen to you.

What do you do remain in peace under adverse circumstances?