Three Steps to Maintain your Peace and Lower your Stress

                                    Three Steps to Maintain your Peace

 

            You cannot change or control the behavior of other people. You can only control and choose to make changes yourself. BUT, when you chase after peace, things shift in the spiritual atmosphere. When you make changes in your heart and in your thoughts it often changes the situation. You've probably heard it said before that all you can do is control your reactions to other people's behavior. 

            I have a client who has had trouble with a family member for years. This family member has been frustrating to deal with because they are welcoming one day and then accusing my client of ridiculous things the next day. After working through some tools with me, my client began the process of forgiving this family member while learning to control their own thoughts and emotions. As my client went through this process the family member ended up changing their behavior and has been kind and even protective over my client since. 

            I can’t guarantee that another person will change their behavior, but you will see results when you complete the following three steps. The main result will be an increase in your own inner peace. 

  1. Forgive

Realize that people are stressed and often carrying around a lifetime of hurt that you have no idea about. Often their behavior has nothing to do with you. You can choose to forgive them even if their behavior makes no sense. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

  1. Recognize negative thoughts and emotions

Once you forgive someone you will want to be aware of negative thoughts and emotions that come to you when you are with the person you forgave. As soon as these thoughts come into your consciousness cast them down according to 2 Corinthians 10:5. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” You have a say in what you think and feel. You can remind yourself that you are doing everything possible to be in peace and you have chosen to forgive.

  1. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones (Choose peace)

Search the scriptures for promises of peace. John 14:27 says, “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.” If God says he gives you his peace then you have it whether you feel like it or not. In Colossians 3:15 it says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” God wouldn’t tell you to let peace rule in your heart if it wasn’t possible. He does not set you up to fail. It won’t always be easy, but it will become easier the more you practice living this way. You can choose your thoughts instead of them choosing you. Choose peace.

            Any time you realize your peace is slipping away, (and stress, overwhelm, or anger is taking its place), try to incorporate these three steps. Stop and forgive. This could be the person who pulled out in front of you or the store clerk or family member that was “short” with you. Recognize the negative thoughts you are having and cast them down. Satan doesn’t want you to know that you have a choice here. Replace the negative thoughts with positive ones. Memorize some scriptures on peace. Another idea is to imagine looking at the person through Jesus’ eyes. He would be compassionate and know what they are going through even if he doesn’t agree with their behavior. After all, Jesus looks at us with this same compassion on a daily basis.

            If this all sounds a bit too easy I have good news. My ebook is coming out in March and in it I explain more thoroughly how we can control our thoughts and emotions. This will definitely increase your peace. You can pre-order a copy for FREE by emailing me at [email protected] and put FREE ebook in the subject line. The name of the book is Unlock Your Purpose; Become the Difference Maker You were Created to Be. It is a powerful, short read with practical applications that are life changing. I want as many people as possible to have a copy.

Until next time,

Connie

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