Seeking Peace
I am honored and thrilled to have my friend, J.D. Wininger, as guest on my blog this week. I always look forward to his wisdom, shared from the Cross-Dubya Ranch. I hope you will take a moment to read his inspiring message.
Seeking Peace
Who among us really expected to see the words of Matthew 24:6-8 fulfilled before our very eyes? Are we that generation referenced in Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30, and Luke 21:32? For me, it’s the realization that while these events have happened throughout my life, their frequency and intensity has changed so dramatically I cannot help but take note. Everywhere we turn today (television, radio, social media, newspapers, etc.) there is tragic news of how this world is tearing itself apart. The moral decay and self-centeredness of people today remind me more of Sodom and Gomorrah than the United States of America. For Christians, this should not be a surprise, but it steals our peace all the same.
While we must be mindful of the words of Ezekiel 33:6, fulfilling our charge as watchmen on the wall, we, too can succumb to the peace-robbing fear surrounding us. As the waves of worry and fear swell up inside me, I realize it’s time to seek peace. I do this by remembering Jesus’ words; “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27, NKJV) While these words are indeed a blessing for every Christian, we only realize His peace when we apply it to our lives.
So how can we apply God’s peace in our lives? That answer is best found in His Word. A passage I often recite when seeking peace is Philippians 4:6-8.
“Be anxious for nothing, 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
minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever
things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever
things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things
are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is
any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate
on these things.”
For me, this means escaping from all that is distracting me from my walk with God and inviting His Spirit to settle upon me. I do this in several ways; often finding my escape in God’s natural world around me. I take a quiet prayer walk around the ranch, intermingling with the livestock and other animals. Other times, I steal away to the small hill on the western edge of my property. There, I face east and overlook the entirety of our Cross-Dubya ranch. The coolness of morning often finds me there; watching the sunrise while seeking God’s peace, surrounded by silence.
When I pray for clarity and direction, I often make my way beneath the boughs of pine trees near my barns. Here, I send up my pleas to God and listen for His still, small voice in the gentle breeze. On hot summer afternoons, this respite time not only calms my soul but refreshes my body. When I am troubled and when I offer intercessory prayers for others, I find these most often occur in the pre-dawn hours from my den. I’m always emboldened when I lift my head and eyes at the close of my prayers to look out the east-facing window across the room. A great peace, that I interpret as “prayers heard”, greets me with the first vestiges of daybreak.
I encourage you today to stand fast in your faith as we watch the world around us in the birth pains of passing away. To help you seek peace in your life, I offer my “Top 10” favorite verses I most often pray when seeking peace in my life.
- Joshua 1:9
- Psalm 27:1
- Psalm 29:11
- Psalm 34:4
- Isaiah 4:31
- Isaiah 41:10
- Matthew 11:28-30
- Romans 8:38-39
- 1 Peter 5:7
- 1 John 4:4
Let us remember to apply end-game thinking and keep our focus on eternity and not these momentary afflictions (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
God’s blessings,
J.D. Wininger
J.D. Wininger is an award-winning writer and speaker who teaches compelling lessons in faith and writes heartfelt devotionals and books to glorify God. He has written for national magazines, CBN.com, Lighthouse Bible Studies, and contributed to several books. When not working his Texas ranch, He and his wife Diane share God’s love in surrounding communities.
Website: https://jdwininger.com/
Thank you for the blessing of sharing with you and your friends this week Ms. Katherine. Praying our words help someone who is also struggling with maintaining peace in their hearts and minds with everything happening in the world around us. Let us remember we need God’s peace, which is only found in one place. God’s blessings ma’am.
Thank you, J.D., it’s such a pleasure and honor to have you as my guest this week. Praying for you, my friend, during this busy time on the ranch. I hope all your new baby calves and mothers will have a healthy start. Praying for peace–here and abroad, and the world situation. Only our Savior can bring peace and our prayers for peace will not fall on barren ground. Our Lord is faithful.
Thank you for sharing the scriptures. As I was watching the news before reading this I was feeling anxiety building. I too love to prayer walk. There is a ranch I go to where we keep our horse. When I am there I feel like all my troubles subside.
A walk in nature and being with our horses can certainly bring peace. Grooming, talking to our horse, and riding can chase the anxiety away. I hope you have opportunities to visit your horse this week (and it isn’t too cold). Blessings!
Amen Ms. Jen. We find such peace in God’s natural world and all He’s created don’t we? I think our friend Ms. Katherine finds His peace when she visits with her horses also. Thank you so much for commenting.
What a wonderful message. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you for visiting my blog and especially for joining us in J.D.’s prayer for peace. Wishing you peace, joy, and blessings, Esther.
Thank you, and God’s blessings Ms. Esther. So very pleased you enjoyed ma’am.
What a pleasant surprise, JD. Grateful Katherine hosted you here.
Beautiful and soulful images you shared, the ways and places where you see peace. Particularly the scene as you sit at your desk in view of the horizon and are reassured with, “Prayers heard” that greets you at “the first vestiges of daybreak”
Thank you so much Ms. Mary. We (Ms. Katherine and I) are so pleased you enjoyed the post ma’am. And yes, it’s quite a blessing to be able to share with Ms. Katherine’s many fans; of which I am one. 🙂 So excited to see her healthy living book coming out this fall. It’ll strengthen us body and soul. God’s blessing ma’am; and thank you for all your kind words.
Thank you, Mary. Your insights are always meaningful for us. I’m so glad J.D. blessed us this week with this message of God’s unfailing love–even in the hard times. Thank you for joining in praying for peace.
With potentially fear-inducing factors swirling around us, the peace of Christ is our refuge. Thank you, J.D. for offering specific verses and practical ways to rivet our attention on Him, the Prince of Peace. Your post is both timely and encouraging.
As always Ms. Jeannie, you are a blessing and a half ma’am. Thank you for your kind words; and most especially for supporting our friend Ms. Katherine. Like you, she’s a gem in God’s mighty crown as y’all two reflect His glory in this world.
Thank you, Jeannie. I, too, believe J.D.’s message is so timely. We have only to turn on our television, computer, or phone to see how there is such a lack of peace and love in our world. Only the Prince of Peace can save us. I pray for His intervention and that those leaders in decision-making positions will listen to our Lord’s directions.
“Let us remember to apply end-game thinking and keep our focus on eternity and not these momentary afflictions (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).” Yes. And J.D., you’ve listed many of my favorite scriptures.
Thank you for sharing, Debbie. It is important that we keep our focus on eternity as we also try to do our Lord’s will in the present. Praying for peace and love to replace anger, hate, and aggression. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry.
I’m so very glad you enjoyed Ms. Debbie. Sometimes it’s difficult to “keep our eyes on the prize”, but the victor always keeps their eyes on the finish line. That day is coming my friend! Praise God, we’ll be home soon. Hebrews 12:1-3 my friend.
It’s impossible to find peace on our own in the broken world we live it. Your title, “Seeking Peace” says it all. We must seek peace and seek it daily. And of course our peace is God. I forget who said, “Where God is, is peace.” To seek peace is to seek God.
Phil 4:6-8 has been my go-to for years whenever anxiety threatens to overwhelm me. I can’t wait to check out the other verses on your list to add to my arsenal.
Good to hear from you over here on Katherine’s site, J.D.!
Candyce, thank you for sharing the quote, “Where God is, is peace.” That’s so true! I pray we can all make a difference in helping peace come to our world, here at home and beyond. If we can share the Gospel of Jesus with others, sharing love and peace, we can help bring God’s peace to others.
How very true Ms. Candyce. I can find God’s peace when I seek it fervently, but am still trying to learn how to maintain it for more than a day or two. It seems like Satan sounds alarm bells when he hears me speaking with God and maintaining His peace in my life. Then, it seems “all hell breaks loose” and Satan does everything he can to derail my walk. Perhaps that’s why it’s so important to seek His peace daily. Thank you so much ma’am. It’s great to find you here also. Ms. Katherine is a blessing indeed.
It’s always a pleasure to read your words, J.D., no matter where they appear. Our peace does depend upon focusing on Christ instead of the turmoil around us. Thanks for sharing with Katherine’s audience, and thank you, Katherine, for inviting the wisdom of J.D. Blessings to both my friends!
Am certain Ms. Katherine and I are the ones blessed by your wisdom, encouragement, and kindness Ms. Barbara. Am so glad you enjoyed the post ma’am. Like you, I love being able to share with friends and fellow writers. I’m blessed that you and Ms. Katherine are both in my life. God’s blessings ma’am.
It’s a joy and honor for me to have J.D. as a guest. His messages always inspire me. I’m so glad you joined us, Barbara.
At times like these I am comforted by the psalmist’s words, “I will lie down on peace, for you, O Lord, cause me to dwell in safety.” Such a treat to visit with two of my friends in one place today 🙂
Thank you for stopping by for a visit, Lori. I know J.D. will be happy you joined in our conversation. Thank you for sharing a scripture that brings the promise of peace, even in a harsh world. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry of service and best wishes for your newest book, Refresh Your Prayers. I know it will be a blessing for us as we read and share it with others.
Thank you for dropping my Ms. Lori. And yes, the words in Psalms often help me to lay down my heavy heart and let God’s peace pour over me. During my fast this past month, I read two per day from your latest book, “Refresh Your Prayers”; two that I made copies of so I could reach out and pray them we needed were #10 and #13. Psalm 4:8 indeed has a calming effect when we stake our hearts on it doesn’t it ma’am? God’s blessings.
You are so right, J.D., that our peace must come from God not all that’s happening around us. And I, too, often find my peace out in God’s creation. Seeing His care for the tiniest plant and creature gives me peace and hope. Thank you, Katherine and J.D., for this encouraging post.
Thank you for joining in our discussion, Kathy. As someone who sought peace everywhere except with God, I agree with you–we cannot find peace anywhere else. After years of misery (caused by my control issues), it was only when I submitted to God that I was able to find peace.
I hope Spring comes quickly for you since this last round of winter at your house.
Thank you for your many kind words Ms. Kathy. Remembering that the world seeks only to steal our peace but God created the world to enhance our peace is a reminder of the spiritual battle we face each day. As I’m sure you know, the secret is that we keep God’s word, and thus His peace, in our hearts where the world cannot steal it away. God’s blessings ma’am.
Thanks for your wisdom, J.D., and especially for the reminder that peace doesn’t always wash over us automatically. We have to seek that peace by taking what’s troubling us to the only One who can bring us true peace. And the beauty is, He does. What a gift.
Katherine, thanks for sharing J.D.’s wise words with us.
Amen! Thank you Ms. Leigh. We must indeed seek His peace ma’am. While it’s not automatic, we know that the Holy Spirit has planted its roots deep within us at our salvation. We must, however, continue to water and cultivate it if it is to grow strong and vibrant. Well said ma’am.
Thank you, Leigh, for adding your thoughts. We are so blessed that we can take our burdens to our Father and He will grant us the gift of peace. I hope your upcoming week is filled with joy and peace.
J.D., thank you for post. Your beautiful description of your property took me on a peace-filled journey. And then you pointed out that God is our peace. And His peace guards our hearts and minds. I will tuck your verse suggestions into my Bible for further meditation in these troubled times.
Am so very glad you enjoyed Ms. Annie; and know that Ms. Katherine and I welcome you to come visit with us through our respective blogs whenever you have the opportunity. Praying God’s peace upon you as a dove sweet lady.
Annie, I also tucked J.D.’s list into my Bible, after I looked up each scripture and read it. I’m thankful for God’s Word and the comfort we receive (and to J.D. for sharing). Wishing you blessings!
We need His peace now more than ever. Thank you for these encouraging words.
Erin, J.D. and I are so glad you stopped by. Thank you for sharing encouragement with us. My favorite rancher has a gift for taking lessons from the Cross-Dubya and creating beautiful and inspiring messages. May God bless you, Erin, in your service to our Lord.
Thank you Ms. Erin. Honored when Ms. Katherine asked me to share on her blog, I tried to write something that would reflect her heart for God and love for nature. We’re so glad you enjoyed the post ma’am. Praying you find peace when needed ma’am.
Thanks J. D and Katherine. J.D., I loved those thoughts amid such turmoil. I could almost feel that sense of moving the burden from heavy to light.
I agree, Sylvia. J.D.’s message and the scripture he shared brought peace to my troubled spirit. Jesus reminds us to take our burden to Him because He can handle it. A burden shared is not nearly as heavy as attempting to carry it alone. Thank you for your kind encouragement. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Amen Ms. Sylvia. These are challenging times for sure; and we must remember to focus on our end-game so that we can help others avoid what’s coming head-on. God’s blessings ma’am.