How to Have Peace in Uncertain Times

Peace seems like an absurd concept these days, but it is possible. As the storms of life rage around you, here’s how to have peace in uncertain times.

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Peace.

It seems an absurd concept in these turbulent times, doesn’t it? And yet… God’s Word promises it can (and should) be in our hearts at all times. His peace can be ours, even in the midst of the most unsettling, uncertain, unstable times.

How?

I’m no theologian or religious scholar, but the following strategies are the very ones I’ve been following to find peace in my own life. It’s a daily (sometimes hourly) battle, but they have kept my head above water when the waves of anxiety threaten to sink me.

As the storms of life rage around you, these 7 strategies will keep you sheltered in peace in uncertain times.

7 Ways to Have Peace in Uncertain Times

1. Keep your eyes on God

Not only does this contribute to peace, it is essential to it.

While I often (intentionally) write for both Christians and non-Christians, this is a post that could not go either way. It simply wasn’t possible.

I could not write a post about peace without centering it on a foundation of faith in God because there is no other source of lasting peace apart from Him. None.

The world — its people, its pursuits, its pleasures — will not bring true peace. It might bring illusions of it, but they’re a mirage, at best. Fleeting phantasms that will have us chasing apparitions only to find, as we reach out to grasp them, that they are merely smoke through our fingers.

But God is peace. He’s the very author of it and the only One who can give it in the midst of the turbulence and chaos swirling around us. He is the source of true peace, so keep your eyes on Him.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Word

In order to maintain peace in your spirit, you have to fill it with God’s Spirit. Know God’s character, know His promises, know His truth. Steep yourself more in His Word than the news or your social media feeds. As the ministry Well-Watered Women puts it, put the Word before the world.

(See below for some of my favorite verses about God’s peace.)

3. Take Regular Breaks

As much as we can’t keep our head in the sand and should be informed about what’s going on in the world, we also need regular breaks. Breaks from information, from other people and other voices, and from the general noise of the world.

We especially need breaks from the sensationalism and fear-mongering of news and social media.

When we feel anxiety start to build inside us, that’s a sure sign it’s time to put on our noise-cancelling earphones for a bit and set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2).

4. Dump Your Feelings

Have you ever felt anxious without being sure what you’re even anxious about?

In these times, I’ve found it helpful to dump my feelings — either on paper in my journal or in talking to a trusted confidante. Getting it all out there helps me process and sort through emotions I didn’t even realize I had and helps me trace them back to their true source.

I should note here that I am an external processor (someone who processes thoughts by sharing them). My husband, on the other hand, is an internal processor, so he would hate dumping his feelings. If that’s you, I understand!

What might be helpful for you, instead, is to ask yourself, “What am I really feeling right now? Why am I feeling that way?” Answer as specifically as you can and as many times as it takes to trace your feeling back to its root source.

5. Pray

God’s peace is freely available, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to manifest. We are constantly bombarded with attacks strategically designed by the enemy to keep us from it. So, as you immerse yourself in God’s Word (see #2), pray. Pray His promises, pray for His strength, and pray His Spirit of peace will reign inside of you.

**6. Focus on What You Can Control**

In times of uncertainty and upheaval, there is so much that is outside of our control. When we worry about those things, however, we not only waste our time and energy, but we forfeit our peace.

On the other hand, focusing on what we can control helps us recover the reigns of our emotions and restore peace to our souls.

7. Turn Your Eyes Back on God

Yes, I’m wrapping up the list by circling back to where we started. Why? Because it’s so incredibly easy to look away. To get distracted. To let our gaze linger a little too long on the wind and waves.

Focusing on God should be at the beginning, middle, and end of our strategy for peace. Because without him, it’s nothing more than a nice thought.

10 Scriptures for Peace in Uncertain Times

To help you, here are some of my favorite Bible verses about God’s peace:

Isaiah 26:3
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

I love it in the Amplified:

“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Isaiah 32:17

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Psalm 119:165

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

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. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.