There is a shortlist of words that end up describing a generation and it’s not a good sign when one of those is anxious. There’s a much discussed book with that title (not read it yet) which touched a nerve. The debate though didn’t dispute the title, just the suggested cause (social media).

I am convinced that the one thing Christians are not to be is anxious. Instead we are to be marked by hearts that are untroubled and unafraid. In John 14:27 Jesus says clearly, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’

There are many, many things that will trouble you and cause you to be anxious and afraid. If you let them. Those things will rob of you of one of the gifts and marks of the Holy Spirit in our lives – peace. Peace can always be disturbed. If we let it.

Peace of mind and heart is both incredibly powerful and incredibly fragile. It can be disturbed and vanish. Yet when it is present and we live under the shelter it provides it can be powerful and strong enough to help us face the most awful of circumstances with confidence and serenity.

Peace, or the lack of it, may be influenced by personality and mental health issues but the commands are there to be obeyed and the promises to be received. One of the the works of the Holy Spirit is to remind us of all that Jesus taught and on more than one occasion he taught his disciples not to be afraid and he taught his followers not to worry. And peace is one of the fruits that the Spirit produces in our lives. Paul reminds us that as we approach God in prayer then one of the results (aside from any answer God gives) is that the peace of God will guard your heart and mind.

There is a way when our minds are frantic and our thoughts are spiralling and everything around us seems scary to find peace. It is to ask for the peace of Jesus, to be reminded of who He is and what He has done and therefore what that means for you. If he holds you, he holds you. If he has saved you then you are safe. If he has loved you then you are loved. If he has forgiven you then you are forgiven. If he is with you then you are never alone. If he leads you then there is a way. If he has called you then there is purpose. And on and on. Count your blessings they are more than you know.

Live inside of those truths and you can walk through the world, untroubled and unafraid, just as he promised.