By Ryan Kelly –

We all want to live in a peaceful world, but sometimes it seems like the world just wants to create chaos simply for chaos’ sake. This can be very frustrating to those of us who seek peace in our lives and enjoyment with those around us. How do we as Christians live peacefully in a world set in turmoil?

I wish I had a certain answer for us on this, but it’s something with I am struggling myself at the moment (a long story for another day). What I can do is walk you through what I’m doing in my life and in the life of my family to help provide the most peaceful environment possible. Here are some tips:

1. Don’t be an instrument of chaos. It is easy to lose your temper, get frustrated, or even be the source of controversy or antagonism. But, we must fight that urge unless it is absolutely necessary. This means avoiding negative posts on social media, creating a calm environment for your friends and family, and seeking peaceful relationships. If you want to say something negative, say something positive instead. Build others up and seek to be a positive figure in your life.
   
2. Pray. This seems obvious, but remember that there is a spiritual war around us that we can’t see but can often feel. The greatest weapon that we have in this war is the Lord’s help and the light that we have through Jesus’ work in our lives. Pray for the Lord’s protection from evil, that you will yourself be a shining light in a dark world, and that you and your family will live a life of peace with those around you.
   
3. Desire the best for others, including your enemies. This can be tough, whereas it is natural to wish an element of harm to those who do harm to you. We must resist this temptation, though. Turning the other cheek doesn’t mean ‘rolling over’ or being a soft person, rather it means that we are to love our enemies and pray for them. Nothing reverses negative feelings more than praying for salvation for an unbeliever or for someone’s heart to be changed rather than them receiving punishment. Praying for your enemies is good both for them and for you.
   
4. Surround yourself with light. Darkness must resist the light, it cannot stand in its presence. This means that you should immerse yourself and your life in everything that brings glory to God. This absolutely includes prayer, but it also means listening to Christian music, singing and praising the Lord, and speaking with the Lord out loud vs. quietly (because remember, Satan and his demons cannot hear your thoughts but can hear your voice). This also means to avoid sin at all cost. If there is anything in your life that represent darkness, cut it out completely. Surround yourself with light, and you will have true peace around you.

Do you have any good ideas for inspiring a peaceful life? We would love to hear from you. Message us anytime at communications@myamericanchristian.org or connect with us on social media. May the Lord bring peace about your life and to those who you love.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27