We bring to Him our needs and burdens, He gives us His best.
There are many things in our lives that result in pressure and anxiety that God can exchange peace for.
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
When we trust in the Lord and turn over our concerns to Him, we will have His everlasting Peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
God’s peace is eternal, it lasts longer than any thing that the world can give. Your iPods and TVs, new cars, expensive jewelry and game systems only momentarily give joy and satisfaction. In a few months there will be something better and newer. The joy we receive from worldly gifts and presents is only temporary, where as God’s gift of hope and peace is eternal.
So, you ask how do I not be anxious or stressed about situations? That is easy and simple. Pray.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
When we give God our hurts, He gives us His healing.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. Psalm 130:1-2
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. Psalm 138:7
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
All we have to do is turn to God. He will comfort us and take away the hurt if we just let Him. It doesn’t mean that our walk in Christ will not have trials and tribulations. What it means is that the Lord is our strength and He will guide us and lead us in our time of need.
[God] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4
As God heals our hurt, we will see others going through similar pain. To receive full healing we should help others find the comfort that God has given us and encourage the Lord’s compassion to work through us.
When we give God our grief, God gives us His abundant Joy.
You turned my waiting into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20
By focusing on Jesus He will turn our grief and sense of loss to great and abundant joy.
The angel said unto them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
Our ultimate joy is Jesus. While what ever gifts you may receive in this time of giving, none will last as long as the gift that God gave us nearly 2000 years ago. By accepting God’s gift, our lives will be overcome with comfort and joy, as long as we stay in God’s Word and seek His face.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. So that who ever believed in Him would not die but have everlasting life. John 3:16
So God’s gift exchange is quite simple. His gift of eternal life with Him in heaven, or the “gifts” of this world that bring about grief, anxiety and hurt.
