Choosing Peace

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome this world." - Jesus
John 16:33

As I studied John 16:33 the other day, I realized something. First, the thing I think we all notice when we read this verse. It says you will have trouble. Not you might. Not your could. But you will. You will have trouble in this world.

But notice the verse before. Jesus is sharing the truth so that in him, we may have peace. Did you notice he didn't say we will have peace.  But we may.  It is a choice. How often we wish the trouble were a choice! No, we will have trouble, but we may have peace, if we take heart in Jesus.  Are you choosing peace?

It's hard to do! When trouble comes our way, we have a choice. We can choose fear, despair, disappointment...or we can choose peace.  What are some ways we can choose peace?

1. Dispute negative thoughts with scripture.

There are so many scriptures that tell us truth! Instead of letting our thoughts run to the negative, claim truthful and uplifting scripture.

2. Pray

God is in control. He may not change our troubles, but we can believe his word that if we come to him, he will give us peace. Furthermore, we can believe that all things work together for the good of those who love him.

3. Take time to rest, recover and recharge.

Some troubles are big. Instead of being in denial, or trying to go on with the status quo, sometimes we have to stop. We need to rest. We need to recover from our troubles. Then, we can recharge and start again when we are ready.

In this life, we will have trouble. There is no getting around that fact. But with the help of God, we can choose Jesus; and with Jesus we can choose His peace.

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com