Peace and patience - qualities we want to have, yet they seem ever elusive. We want peace whenever life is hard and the storms rage on. We grit our teeth in the midst of frustration trying to muster an ounce of patience when someone irritates us or our circumstances are not what we would have chosen. Why is having peace and patience so difficult?
Before we begin looking at Scripture and discussing this topic, I want to remind you that we live in a broken world with souls bent towards sin. As Christians, the Holy Spirit is doing a work in us, sanctifying our hearts, but the work will not be complete until we reach heaven. So while we can become more peaceful and more patient, we will never be perfect. Don’t hold yourself to a standard that God does not hold for you.
Now, let’s take a look at Philippians 4:6-7,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of
God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The New Living Translation puts verse 6 this way, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (emphasis is mine). Typically, when thinking about having complete peace, we expect to have the strength to not worry, to trust things will all work out and we will just be happy about it. However, I find it very interesting that this verse points to the opposite of anxiety as being grateful to God for all He has done. Studies over the last 20 years show that regularly practicing gratitude decreases stress, boosts sleep quality, increases decision making abilities, and strengthens neural pathways in our brain to create a more positive nature. God created our bodies in such a way that being grateful brings immense peace to us mentally and physically. God knew that this world would make us anxious, but that praising Him for His goodness would bring peace. Even when life doesn’t seem to have anything to be thankful for, we can always find it if we look to the cross and the surety of heaven through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
Now, what do these verses have to do with patience? When we get impatient with the circumstances of our lives - wanting a different career, hoping to get married, waiting for children, trying to move somewhere new, or when things are not moving as quickly as we wanted - we stop being grateful for where God has us now. I once heard it said that God directs our pace and our place. If we are not at peace with where God has us currently, then we grow impatient with His pace and place. Trusting in His timing guards our hearts and minds. The peace that surpasses all understanding isn’t in knowing that everything will work out exactly how we want. Having patience doesn’t come from determining your own steps. Peace comes from knowing that God is who He says He is. Patience is trusting God in your circumstances.
Meet the author!
Addi Suenram is married to Merritt Suenram. Addi is passionate about using writing as an avenue to help Christians pursue God and go deeper in their faith. She can also use poetry to speak about the problem of pain and the hope of Jesus Christ.
She has been speaking at church events, both for youth groups and adults, for six years. She was the keynote speaker at the 2014 Relay for Life event. Addi has also spoken at two YMCA Livestrong programs for cancer survivors.