Protect Your Peace
Do you ever find it hard to keep your peace? You may find that even when things are going well in life, anxiety may arise because you think something could go wrong. The world will always promote being more concerned with this or that (you can fill in the blank). The world will say you should always be doing something because rest is laziness. The world will promote working on yourself because looking better is the epitome of feeling better. In other words, the world will give you temporary solutions for your lack of peace. In result, many people will settle in relationships, for various reasons, even if they are lacking peace. Some may they think that it is too hard to find someone better. Others may feel that they were put into the person’s life for a reason, and staying will help keep them on the right track. For these reasons, and many more, people will put up with emotional manipulation, and sometimes, physical abuse. Everyone wants love and security that partners with peace. Everyone wants to have someone that helps them forget their worries or insecurities, while just enjoying life together. To become and remain healthy mentally, emotionally, and physically, it is important to set boundaries for what you will tolerate in a friendship or relationship. Boundaries are especially important when you are not married to the person. It is only when you are married, and become “one” with that person, that you are supposed to be there in all circumstances. However, in any relationship, it is important to test if the person is healthy to be around. It is important to learn if he, or she, stays by your side because they love you, for who you are, or because they need you. Being needed is a good thing, but it is more important to do what is best for you and your mental health.
By setting boundaries, you focus on what is best for you, then you can be there for others in a more effective way.
But if all someone does is bring chaos and conflict into your life, then I would suggest reevaluating your relation to them. It is important to remember that it doesn’t all count on you. Yes, just as God gave Eve to Adam, we are meant to be in community with others, but we aren’t meant to save each other. The only Savior is Jesus, who came to live among His creation and to die on a cross, taking on the worlds sin, out of obedience to God and His love for others to save the world (John 3:16)! God extended Himself to everyone through His Son, Jesus, so that you are not left alone to take care of yourself and others in this messy life. Therefore, when you accept the invitation to be saved by the one true Savior (Jesus), you can then be used by God, in every aspect, for you are His! We are meant to lift each other up, walk along side each other, and point each other to who Jesus is and what He has done!
The biggest concept that needs to be understood to protect your peace is that God is the only one ultimately in control of everything and everyone.
Hebrews 2:8b tells us that, “Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.” God is in control of all things big and small- nothing is too much for Him! Anything that we can and cannot see is under His authority. God’s abilities go far beyond the physical when it comes to saving someone, so why would you think that only you are what is best for another person? You may be placed in a person's life for a reason, but the reason may be praying for them or pointing them to Jesus. You may have expected that person to always be by your side, but quickly find that not to be true and there is not much you can do. When this happens, you need to realize that you are learning to trust in God’s intentions for your relationships rather than yours or the other person’s. What you know, or come to know, about Him and His ways, overrides any expectations. For nothing to be out of His control God needs to know everything, therefore, you can trust that He sees what you do not always get to see. In addition, God will always do what’s best to grow His people. He is known to always protect His people and lead them back to Him. God knows exactly what needs to happen to make you more into the confident image bearer He has always intended you to be! When you trust and rely on God, you do not become overwhelmed by other people's problems. Prayer is often the best way to lift someone up and walk along side them, although not physically, but spiritually. You may feel for the person and be there for them when you can, but you won’t be consumed by their feelings and hurt.Setting boundaries can look like limiting how much you pick up the phone, answer their texts, or the amount of time and effort put in when they are clearly not listening.
When you take time for yourself, and live knowing your worth and the way you should be treated, then, you are really learning to live the way God intended.
However, this doesn’t come with a sense of pride, but begins with the realization of how God is the best source of fulfillment, strength, love, trust, and peace.
Psalm 23:1-2 reads, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
When the Lord is the one who you rely on to lead you, you will see that you will not want anything else. He gives you what you need. This is implied as the Word says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Sometimes, the Lord allows situations where you feel like your back is up against the wall, just so you will go to the one and only Savior to lead you out. The place that He will lead you to will include “still waters,” which can be a symbol of a quiet or peaceful place where God is your source of nourishment and rest. Now, I encourage you to read the whole psalm as it is only six verses and it speaks about the Lord being your security in any circumstance, knowing He is the source of peace and protection. Psalm 23 is one of the most ageless and comforting psalms there is. But, going back to the verses, in order to get to a place of rest and peace you need to follow the Lord wherever He leads you. Psalm 34:14 tells us what we may have to do to get to that place. The Word reads, “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Therefore, if you are unsettled and unappreciated in a relationship, chances are you need to turn away from that, as hard as it is.1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” What that explains to us is that if you are confused about what to do, you need to turn from your feelings and the input from others, and just seek and pursue God. Isaiah 26:3 gives us an understanding on how to seek God and pursue Him. The prophet Isaiah writes a song to God that includes this verse which says, “You keep him in perfect peace those whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts you.” So, when you put all these verses and points together, you can really begin to live according to God’s right way of living. As you start to learn to live peacefully, you should never be shunned upon. You should never be guilted out of doing what’s best for you. When you follow God’s leading, trusting that He is always out for your best interest, then you can protect the peace and security that is given to you through Jesus! Never forget that Jesus came to give you peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The peace that Jesus gives goes beyond the physical, leading you to who He is. Therefore, you will experience true love and security from Him too! The peace of Jesus is a reminder that He is with you in every emotion and circumstance. Receive His peace as you keep your mind set on seeking and pursuing the One who is always in control!
