Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.
—Colossians 3:15
Is someone making your life miserable?
An always-on-your-case parent?
A you-can’t-do-anything-right spouse?
An out-of-control child?
A know-it-all associate?
A cantankerous church member?
Thoughts that splinter your peace probably go something like this:
If only my spouse was more understanding, I wouldn’t be so stressed.
If only my child was more respectful, I wouldn’t be so upset.
If only I didn’t have to deal with this difficult person, I wouldn’t be so agitated.
Would one of those “If only” endings catapult you into an orbit of happiness and peace?
No, because peace of mind is not circumstance-driven. It’s an inside job.
It is not events that determine your level of peace, but how you react to those events.
Peace comes from control of self,
not from control of others.