Choose peace 

Panic and anxiety are often our first reactions to conflict and problems. In those initial moments, choosing peace seems impossible. Your subconscious whispers, “If you really care, you will worry.” But a seasoned counsellor wrote, “Don’t panic! No matter what the situation or circumstance, we usually have…a moment to breathe deeply and…let peace flow through our body and mind…Panic, not the task, is the enemy.” Anxiety just empowers and enlarges the problem. Your best problem-solving resource is always peace. Fear and anxiety block solutions; answers flow more easily and naturally from a peaceful state of mind. And God’s peace is always available to us—if we choose to use it. Paul wrote, “When the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce…in us…peace.” Refuse to let your negative emotions run amok or decide your response. Jesus said, “Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful…intimidated…cowardly and unsettled” (John 14:27 AMPC). That means you have options; you can choose between peace and inner conflict. In the same verse, Jesus also said, “My [own] peace I…bequeath to you” (v. 27 AMPC), and bequeath relates to executing a will. When someone dies, they leave their most cherished possessions to the people they love. But just because Jesus left us His peace doesn’t mean it will automatically operate in us. Plus, when we lose our peace, it’s harder to hear from God. When Paul says, “Let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule…in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15 AMPC), the word rule means “to govern and to control.” So instead of letting yourself get anxious and panicky today, choose peace.