Read The Bible For A Healthier Mind | Chapter 4 | JP Bible Masterclass (Part 6 of 20)

God’s desire for you is to live in peace. Amen? Whether you’re on the road, at work, or at home, God calls you to carry peace within. Setting goals, meeting deadlines, and achieving success are good, but the ultimate goal is to keep your peace. If you stay peaceful—even if you don’t reach every goal—you’ve already won. Amen.

Why? Because you maintained your peace. God’s thoughts are greater than any negative thoughts. Immerse yourself in the Bible, and let God’s thoughts fill your mind. Reflect on verses like Isaiah 26:3, which says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” Or consider Isaiah 30:15: “In quietness and trust is your strength.” And in John 14:27, Jesus assures us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives.”

The world can offer fleeting peace—like the beauty of a sunset or sunlight streaming through trees. It’s poetic but temporary. Jesus, however, gives a lasting peace that the world cannot. Meditate on verses like John 14:27, and let them sink into your heart: “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Start each morning by speaking these verses aloud to fill your mind with God’s truth. God’s Word has power over dark or negative thoughts. Praise God for that! Remember, our bodies are designed by God for a steady, sustainable pace. But too often, we live at a speed we weren’t made for, like a plane that cannot sustain maximum power for long without wear and tear. When cruising, planes reduce their horsepower to prevent damage.

The ancient temple of Israel was bustling on the outside with sacrifices and rituals, yet inside the Holy of Holies, where God dwelled, there was perfect silence. Today, we are God’s temple, and while life outside may be busy, God desires perfect peace within.

Here’s a question: where does sweat form first when you’re stressed or exercising? The head. And this is where Jesus bore the crown of thorns—so we could have peace of mind. Anxiety, worry, and stress all begin in our thoughts, yet Jesus took on that burden, offering us the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Did you know that thorns are actually leaves? In dry regions, like parts of Israel, leaves turn into thorns to retain moisture. But if you take a cactus, for example, and water it well, the thorns may eventually soften and sprout leaves. Thorns are leaves that have tightened to survive harsh conditions. Similarly, God can transform even the toughest parts of us into new life through His peace.

Amen.