Take a look at the image above. There are raging waves, the sky is gray, and the water is rising so high that it will temporarily cover the lighthouse.  This is a true image of peace. Peace is not defined by the absence of the storm but by feeling and being settled and secure even amid the storm. There is a difference between going through a storm or a difficult life challenge with peace and without it.

What does going through a storm or life challenge look like without peace?

When we face difficult situations, our brain’s first response is panic. It’s easy, to begin with overthinking, and panic often ensues. I remember going through a difficult situation and not having peace. I could not manage my thought and always assumed the worst was going to happen. My behavior also reflected the way I felt internally. I acted out of character because this was not a storm I was used to. Sometimes the newness of a life challenge can cause us to stay there longer than we ought. During that season, I was focused on what was happening around me. My external world impacted my inner world. Seeing things not go as planned and being unable to control the outcome of my situation left me trying to do all I could to fix it. The fact that I couldn’t fix it made it so much worst. For lack of a better word, I felt like I was going crazy.

Around the same time, I went through a different storm. This time around, my son was sick and was hospitalized for several days, and the doctors didn’t know what was wrong with him. He had to go through a few surgical procedures. For those of you who have children, you know how difficult it is to see your children sick and needing help, and you cannot take the pain away. Based on my track record, I should have panicked and dealt with it the same way I had in the past, but I didn't.  I decided that my response to this one was going to be different. I responded with prayer and faith. I knew what it felt like to control a situation I could not change, so I decided not to try. I had to surrender it to God and allow him to control it. Doing that provided peace, the peace that passes all understanding. 

Having peace removes all the worries from your mind. The storm does not go away; you sometimes still have to let it run its course, but having peace during it means your heart is settled. You are confident that no matter what happens that everything will work out. 

Calming the mind

Every time we go through something, we can choose the route of worry or faith in our ability to endure and God’s ability to get us through. Sometimes all it takes is opening your mouth and reminding yourself of the truth. Speak to yourself and recognize that worry usually doesn't change situations. Slow down, take a few deep breaths, and remind yourself that you have all you need to go through this situation. Even if you are not aware of what’s available to you, it will be revealed in time.

We can be confident that we will face difficult situations, but we must know peace is possible despite challenges. Peace is a way of life; it must be maintained and nourished to grow. It is a fruit of the spirit given freely but can also be easily lost. Remember, what you focus on will determine whether you keep the peace. No matter how big the storm, how impossible the situation seems, or how insurmountable the challenge, don't choose to focus solely on it. Turn your attention internally, take care of your mind, and welcome peace into it, then let your internal state dictate your external response.