As Christians our hearts are supposed to be at peace, and we are to be a light for God in this dark world; we are to be living an abundant and joyful life free of fear and belonging to Christ.
If you are living this way, then you have great faith and are living as Christ’s example to the world. We all need to learn the tools to live close to Christ, and we can find these answers in the Bible.
But what about all of us who are saved, yet struggle to walk in peace and joy on a daily basis?
When the storms of life hit, we are to press into Jesus further and rise above our struggles like Paul did when he faced imprisonment and other difficulties in his life. “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13 ESV). Paul says that he has found the secret to living above the struggles of life through Christ. That only through trusting in, counting on, and praying to Christ are the answers to survive the tough times, and to not just survive but to thrive.
It is tempting for many of us to turn to other things solely during struggle such as a trusted friend, a love relationship, a parent, or a mode of escape such as alcohol or drugs. But God really does want us to turn to Him more than these other people and things.
Here’s a few tips to thrive when you hit survival mode:
1. Pray, pray, pray yourself through the struggles. Give your problems to God first.
2. Tap into verses about peace and joy. There are many in the Bible, so here’s just a few to read. Colossians 3:15, Galatians 5:22, 1 Peter 3:11, James 1:2-3, and James 3:18.
3. Memorize verses that you can repeat to yourself when you are struggling. For example, James 1:2-3 ESV reads “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” This is a terrific verse to remind us that struggle increases our faith, and to seek joy because of our faith building.
4. Know God is sovereign and let Him lead your whole life. Know your purpose or calling in this life to keep you focused on Jesus and not on this world.
5. Spend time studying the word every single day. God’s word is our sword. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17NIV). The more we are in the word learning and listening, the more protected we are from sin, and the more wisdom we gain.
God tells us that he sent his only son to earth who died on the cross, so that we could have a life free from the guilt of sin. We can live in FREEDOM!
Here’s one last verse to meditate on and memorize. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 ESV).
Wishing you much joy!
AllisonD
