Finding True Peace: Lessons from Scripture and Research

 

In a world filled with constant noise and personal trials, peace can feel like a fleeting shadow. Yet, for those who know God, personal peace is a beautiful fruit of the Holy Spirit that He desires for each of us to possess (Galatians 5:22).

 

But how do we practically experience it?

 

What the Research Shows: Faith and Well-Being

We decided to explore this question through a study conducted at Grace Community Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. We asked the adult congregation to complete a questionnaire regarding their personal well-being—including peace—and how closely they practiced their faith. Full study here: Religious adherence and quality of life measures.

Using Scripture as our guide, we considered individuals to be active in their faith if they: (1) Proclaimed faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice as a free gift of salvation; (2) Were secure in their salvation, knowing their eternity is held by God; (3) Frequently utilized the 5 Tools to Maturity: prayer, praise, faith, reaching out, and scripture study (Acts 2:42,47; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-26; 1 Peter 1:4-5; John 10:27-30).

The Result: On a scale of 0 to 6 (with 6 being the most peaceful), the congregation averaged an encouraging 4.2. More importantly, the data revealed a clear trend: Believers experienced significantly greater peace the more active they were in their Christian practice.

4 Reasons Why Active Faith Protects the Mind

While data shows us what happens, Scripture explains why. When we actively live out our faith, the Holy Spirit transforms our mindset through four distinct avenues:

• Proper Focus: Practicing our faith centers our minds on an Almighty God whose purposes are higher than our own, pulling us away from anxious or selfish thoughts.
• Prayer: Research consistently links prayer to better well-being^1-5. The adherence to the practice of Christianity provides for prayer to an accepting great high priest, Jesus Christ, who cares for our every need (Hebrews 4:14-16).
• Correct Thinking: The Bible provides the ultimate text of truth. By filling our minds with Scripture, we learn to view ourselves correctly and reject lies about God.
• Outward Vision: Scripture urges us to reach out and serve others. Shifting our attention to the needs of our community naturally minimizes our focus on our own anxieties (Community service and personal wellbeing).

How to Claim Your Peace Today

If your heart is restless, I encourage you to take two foundational steps today:

1. Secure Your Assurance: Be certain that your sins are freely forgiven through faith in Christ. Rest in the reality that God accepts you and your salvation cannot be lost. Read more about the gospel message here.
2. Practice the 5 Tools: Intentionally balance your life around prayer, praise, faith, outreach, and Scripture study. This builds the daily environment the Holy Spirit uses to cultivate supernatural peace. It takes time and daily commitment, but the blessings are beyond measure (Galatians 5:22-23). Learn how to implement these tools in your life here.

Thank you for joining me today, and may the peace of God guard your hearts and minds.

William C. Stewart, MD

References:

1. MacIlvaine WR, et al. Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-5.
2. MacIlvaine WR, et al. Association of strength of community service to personal wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 2014;50:577-82. 
3. Stewart WC, et al. Review of clinical medicine and religious practice. J Relig Health 2013;52:91-106.
4. Stewart WC, et al. The source and impact of specific parameters that enhance well-being in daily life. J Rel Health 2016;55:1326-35.
5. Stewart WC, et al. Association of strength of religious adherence to attitudes regarding glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Ophthalmic Res 2011:45:53-6.

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Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.