Life with Justin Stephens: Embracing Peace Over Worry

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, and we often find ourselves grappling with worry. In this post, we explore the importance of choosing peace over anxiety, as shared through personal reflections and insights from "Life with Justin Stephens." The key message is to resist worry and embrace the peace that comes from faith and self-acceptance.

Remembering September 11

September 11 holds a significant place in our hearts as we remember the tragic events of 2001. It is a day that reminds us of unity and resilience. As we reflect on the impact of that day, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected. This remembrance serves as a foundation for our discussions on peace and worry.

Choosing Peace

In our daily lives, we are confronted with numerous challenges that can lead to worry. However, it is essential to understand that worrying does not bring blessings; instead, it often leads us away from faith. The guiding message encourages us to resist the urge to worry and instead choose peace. This choice is not merely about ignoring our problems but about trusting in a higher power to carry our burdens.

The Nature of Worry

Worry is a natural human response, but it is not our intended state. The teachings remind us that we were created to reflect peace and joy, not anxiety. When we allow worry to consume us, we experience discomfort and unease. It is crucial to recognize that our relationship with ourselves and with a higher power is meant to be one of trust and peace.

Letting Go of Worry

Letting go of worry requires conscious effort and a shift in mindset. We can begin by acknowledging our worries and then making a deliberate choice to lay them down. This act of surrender allows us to embrace the peace that comes from faith. The message emphasizes that just as nature is cared for, so too are we deserving of peace and provision.

Practical Steps to Embrace Peace

• Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment, focusing on what you can control.

• Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the positives in your life.

• Prayer or Meditation: Engage in practices that help you connect with your inner self and a higher power.

• Community Support: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who uplift you.

The Impact of Faith

Faith plays a pivotal role in overcoming worry. By leaning into our beliefs, we can find solace and strength. The teachings encourage us to recognize that life is meant to be challenging but that we do not have to face those challenges alone. Our faith provides us with the tools to navigate life's storms.

Seasons of Life

Life is characterized by different seasons—some filled with joy and others with hardship. Understanding that these seasons are temporary can help alleviate the pressure we place on ourselves. It is essential to remind ourselves that it is okay to experience difficulties and that better days are ahead.

Encouragement for the Journey

As we navigate our individual journeys, it is important to encourage one another. Sharing experiences of overcoming worry and embracing peace can create a supportive community. Remember that life's challenges are not a reflection of our worth, and we can find strength through shared experiences and faith.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, choosing peace over worry is a transformative decision that can reshape our lives. By focusing on faith, community, and personal growth, we can cultivate a life filled with joy and resilience. The journey may be difficult, but with each step, we can learn to embrace the peace that is rightfully ours.

FAQ

Why is it important to choose peace over worry?

Choosing peace helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing us to live more fulfilling lives. It fosters a positive mindset and enhances our overall well-being.

How can I let go of my worries?

Practice mindfulness, engage in prayer or meditation, and surround yourself with supportive people. Journaling your thoughts can also help release burdens.

What role does faith play in overcoming worry?

Faith provides comfort and assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. It encourages us to trust in a higher power, which can alleviate feelings of anxiety.

How can I support others in their journey to peace?

Be a listening ear, share your experiences, and encourage them to embrace their faith. Sometimes, just being present for someone can make a significant difference.

Daily Podcast:

Daily Video Journal:

Daily Journal Transcript:

Good morning. Good morning. Good morning.

It is September 11, 2024. Today I want to take just a moment and remember everything that happened on September 11, 2001. My heart and prayers go out to every family affected.

And I know there are millions of us out there. We stand united. We stand together.

Let's dive into our devotional. So, September 11. Resist worry and choose peace.

Never say it is my nature to worry, for I have given you a life that is carefree. Has worry brought you any blessings? I will take care of your tomorrow as I have taken care of your today. Your relationship with me means that I will carry every burden that weighs you down so that you can take my peace as your own.

My love will carry you through this momentary difficulty. Beloved, you were created in my image to look and sound like me, and worry was not a part of that plan, which is why you feel so terrible when you allow it to consume you. I want you to resist worry and choose peace.

Worry isn't going to make things better. It pushes you far from faith and prevents you from feeling true peace in me. Rest with me in the green pastures of my peace.

Drink from the quiet brook of bliss. Lay your worries at my feet and allow me to replace them with my perfect peace. If God can clothe the fields and meadows with grass and flowers, can't he clothe you as well? O struggling one with so many doubts, I repeat it, don't let worry enter your life.

Live above the anxious cares about your personal needs. Luke 1228 and 29 that's a great message for today. There is so much in this world for us to worry about.

There are so many things happening in the world to be concerned about and to have fear around at the end of the day. Life is hard, but it was meant to be hard and God has a plan. And why worry about that plan working? It's not going to be hard forever.

We all go through different seasons in life, and everyone has seasons of good and everyone has seasons of bad. So I just want to encourage each and every one of you, today of all days, do not worry and have faith that the truth will come out. The truth will be found, and it will be found through time as we live our lives.

With that, I'm off to an interview and then off to work for the show. So I hope you guys have a great day and we will talk to you all soon.