Joshua 1:1-5 (2) Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
Today people seek inner peace through a variety of means: self-actualization, positive thinking exercises, transcendental meditation, the practice of non-attachment, finding an inner light, and chakras (spiritual power point), seeking a spiritual guide, the use of crystals, herbs and so forth. Besides these, Satan has many other options available for any who are foolish enough to use them. The problem for those using these methods is that the result is never completely satisfying, and quickly disappears.
The Word of God, however, has a calming affect on the troubled soul who looks to God for peace of heart and mind. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” This suggests that we have control over whether our heart is troubled or not. Jesus is telling us not to allow it to become troubled.
The question we face then, is “How do I exercise control over my spirit so that it is not troubled? A foundational truth that must be accepted in order for this to be possible is to understand that peace is not the absence of trouble. True inner peace is only found in the presence of God. Peace comes from knowing that circumstances are temporary and that God is eternal. Peace comes from exercising faith in the character of the eternal God and His Word. Therefore we choose peace rather than fear or worry. In faith we lean upon God and His promises instead of leaning on our own ingenuity.
By Dr. Gayle Woods