Season 2 Episode 004: Radiant Peace
This season we have been diving into what it looks like to allow the fruit of the Spirit to shine radiantly in our lives. You may have noticed, that with the last episode, I skipped over one, getting slightly out of order. It wasn’t an accident. I’ve been sitting with the word peace for a while now.
I believe peace is one of the most important things the Holy Spirit transforms within us.
The Greek word used in Galatians 5:22 is eirēnē, which means peace, quietness, and rest.
Most of us are more familiar with the lack of peace than the presence of peace in our daily lives. I don’t want to sound like there aren’t circumstances worthy of garnering stress. Stressful situations are a reality of life. According to Forbes Health, Worldwide: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the world. Roughly 301 million people, an estimated 4% of the global population, have an anxiety disorder . Age group: One survey found that young people are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety than older adults.[1]
I almost drowned when I was seven. Or maybe six, those of us present can't exactly remember. It is one of my earliest, most vivid memories.
I recall walking forward in shallow waters, enjoying the water flowing around me, watching the people lining the deck. Laughter filled the air, and the tantalizing smell of BBQ still makes my mouth water. I spun in circles, pretending to be a mermaid, without paying attention to my mother's boundaries. I kept walking. Water touching the top of my chest took my breath away and then tickled my ears. Tilting my head back, my hair floated behind me, and without any warning, water covered my face. Unable to swim, I began waving my arms wildly.
I can still feel the pressure building in my lungs, as the need to breathe became unbearable. I didn't have flashes of my life float before my eyes, but my entire being was filled with fear. Even now, my heart rate is accelerating as I remember water filling my nose and mouth.
At the same moment, strong arms pulled me up to safety, my mother's voice crying, "Jesus", in my ear. Her warmth made my fear flee; I was safe.
Have you ever had a moment when you felt like you couldn't breathe? As if the weight and struggles of a circumstance kept dragging you down, no matter how hard you tried to pull yourself up. I'm certain 99.9% of you nodded your head in affirmation.
Stress, turning into panic and stealing your ability to breathe, becomes the fear robbing us of the peace promised to us by the Holy Spirit.
How then do you keep those troubles, the stresses big and small, from robbing you of peace?
First, acknowledge the stress by dealing with and processing the fear.
The root of anxiety is fear, and according to Dr Anita Phillips, fear becomes thorny soil in our hearts preventing the Holy Spirit from producing peace. (Phillips, 2024)
Have you had some trouble in your life?
Your goal shouldn’t be pretending the stress doesn’t exist. My near-drowning experience would have ended differently if I’d kept inhaling the water pretending it would turn into air.
Your stressful situation is real, and you can acknowledge the difficulty of the moment.
Jesus told us, We do know, "In this world, you will have trouble." (John 16:33 NIV)
Trouble arises because of your choices, and others’ choices, and when life rolls merrily along.
Years ago, a close family member made a decision that resulted in heartbreaking consequences. Details of the event are not mine to share, but the weight fell heavily on my shoulders. I remember trying to pray because it’s what you are supposed to do, but I couldn’t form any words. Instead of words, uncontrollable sobs stole my ability to think or function.
I needed to admit the fear consuming my mind. Yes, the pain of their decision hurt, but the fear born of not knowing how things would work out, blocked the Holy Spirit’s ability to grow peace in the middle of the storm.
At the time, I didn’t know how to break the cycle, not on my own. A friend, took my hands, reminding me I was allowed to feel the hurt, to feel the pain, to acknowledge the stress. But I also couldn’t stay there.
Even if you become adept at breaking the cycle, the second way you can find peace is by asking for help.
My friend found me in my fear and thank goodness for those around us who see we are drowning and reach in to save us. Yet, I see now how differently things could have gone if I reached out at the beginning of the situation and acknowledged I needed support.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
We were created for relationships.
Relationship with God and relationship with one another. When you realize you aren’t facing giants alone, when you can feel God’s presence, and when you have a friend at your side, it gives you the confidence to face the battle.
The world, and culture, will teach you to numb your fear with substance or with escapism. The problem with this approach is eventually the solution wears off and the underlying pain still exists. This is why turning to God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to remind you of truths during your stress will allow you to have peace in the middle of the most chaotic moment. Jesus said,
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
As you experience life's journey there will be struggles. Struggles make you want to give up and allow life's currents to drag you down. You don't have to struggle. You have a rock, more than capable of supporting any weight given to you.
During a time of stress, King David wrote,
"From the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I". (Psalm 61:2)
David experienced all the stress in his life, from people betraying him to the consequences of his sins, and reading the Psalms helps us see how processing our fear and anxiety and then speaking the truth over the situation will help keep peace firmly rooted in our lives.
The next time a situation comes crashing down on you, robbing you of peace, cry out for the rock. Just like a parent rescuing a child, He will reach in, pull you close, and set your feet firmly on the foundation of His love.
I want you to know you aren’t alone today. I am here, praying with you in your fear and I believe for peace to take control in this moment.
Will you pray with me?
Father, thank you for being present with me in my fear. I know I’m supposed to have peace in every circumstance, but the stress in my life has turned into fear choking out my ability to feel anything else. Lord, help me to acknowledge the stress and the worry, to process the pain and the hurt, but then remind me of the truth. Help me remember, that I am not alone. Give me the courage to reach out to those you’ve placed in my life, for help. God, I choose to stand on the rock higher than the waves of my situation and to believe no matter the outcome you will not leave me comfortless but will be with me. You will strengthen me and hold me up when I can’t stand on my own. I speak peace into my storm, and I breathe in the truth of your love and your promises. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Let’s go live radiantly.
XOXO,
Laura
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[1] Jessica Booth, “Anxiety Statistics and Facts”, Forbes Health, Forbes Media, October 23, 2023, https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/anxiety-statistics
Phillips, Dr. Anita. (2024) The Garden Within. Nelson Books.
Psalms
John 16
All scripture NIV unless otherwise noted
