The world feels like it is becoming less and less peaceful with every year that passes. Bombs are dropped, there is political upheaval and life as we know it feels like a popcorn kernel in a boiling pot of oil.

IS bomber kills 10 tourists in Turkey, that’s what the BBC told me today.

This seems so contradictory to the leftover card from Christmas sitting on my dressing room table which says:  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. (John 14:27)

This card made me think – despite what the world looks like, we are promised perfect peace.

I have met many people. People who are wildly successful at their jobs – they single-handedly run a company or launch campaigns. Or, people who have the perfect family with two boys, two girls, two cats, two dogs and a house in the suburbs. I have met actors who have billions who know their name; I have met politicians whose single word can cause a change to millions of people. And despite all their accomplishments, if these people do not have peace they are not happy or fulfilled.

You know what inspires me more than any glamorous position or any bank account? Someone who has got their peace on. Someone who has peace is content when life is going great and content when it isn’t. Someone who has peace is content with a large bank account and content with a small bank account. Someone with peace understands that life is not about success or wealth and fame, but about an inner life which is healthy.

As the new year rolls in, can I encourage you to cultivate peace in your life? I have no idea what your year has been like, or the challenges you have faced. I do know if you want it- peace is available to all mankind when they accept the promises of God.

How to get your peace on:

  1. Slow down: You do not have to do everything in life. A life where few things are chosen with wisdom is far greater than one where many things are half accomplished. Overly busy people are not happy or peaceful people. Take time out each day to focus on God, be grateful and structure your day.
  2. Declutter: We need so much less than we think we need. A home full of old papers, unnecessary clothes and furniture, ancient electronics and too much stuff is not conducive to peaceful living. Spring clean, give away what you do not use or need and keep only a minimal amount in your home.
  3. Identify your values and organize your life in alignment: If your relationship is a value, treat it as one and make the time to invest into it. If learning is a value, add an extra two hours of learning into your schedule every few days. Don’t let your life drift along – be proactive and decisive in creating a life which showcases what is important to you.
  4. Trust God: If you do not trust God it is very difficult to have peace in your life. Without trusting there is someone in charge, we take on battles which make us lose our peace. God loves you; he is bigger than your current circumstances and current challenges. Let him into your heart to lead you and guide you. Let him give you peace.
  5. Get peaceful people in your life: Letting other people into your life who mirror peace will make you more peaceful. As you gain greater understanding from them, share your problems, learn perspective, and learn new ways of dealing with things, you will see your problems shrink.

Remember: peace is your portion – take it.