Several years ago, I completely lost my peace of mind because I was buried in my problems. They filled my every thought, they triggered my emotions and they consumed my conversations. I was miserable and I felt like I was backed into a corner and had no way out.
But one day, I saw a word. Just one written word that gave me an escape from my torment.
Because of that word, I grabbed a piece of paper and began to write a long list of all the good things that I had in my life. I came up with a long list that filled one whole side of the paper.
Then, I turned the paper over. On that side, I made a list of all the problems that were consuming me. ALL of them! The list was not quite as long as the good side but it was close!
I, then, made a decision. If I spent one minute thinking about one of my good things, I allowed myself to cross off something from the problem side of my list. But, if I spent one minute thinking about something from the problem side, I had to cross something off the good side.
At first, I had to cross off several of my good things because I was spending so much time thinking of the wrong side of the paper. Soon, it began to hurt to cross off the positive things. But, it helped me to see what price I was paying for dwelling on my problems instead of dwelling on all the amazing things the Lord had given me and my family. I was helping myself to lose my own peace of mind!
Philippians 4 tells us ** Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. **
It also says **Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. **
And finally, it teaches us **Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things**
If I wanted to have peace of mind, and wanted to live joyfully, I had to work on my thoughts and emotions. I had to fight against the natural tendency to focus on the problem in front of me and learn to turn my thoughts to better things, to eternal things. I had to find the key to get out of that corner!
I did. In that word… you probably already know what it is….. Gratitude.
Dwelling on my problems was my will, my way of dealing with my days. But God’s way is joy, prayer and gratitude.
How to Lose your Peace of Mind? by dwelling on all that is wrong in our lives and ignoring all that is right.
It has transformed how I live. It is my guiding light when troubles come.
Now, when problems come I know where I need to run to first: a grateful heart, and prayer. I have to leave everything in the Lord’s hands to fix His way and in His time. And that brings back the peace of mind and joy that I so desire.
All of this doesn’t mean that I don’t have problems or that I will get past them in 2 minutes or less. But the key is in my hand. All I have to do is use it!