10 Steps to Know the “Weird” Peace of God

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Everyone I knew called my Gram’s sister, “Weird Marion.”

Even in college, I learned that one of my professors knew her as “Weird Marion.”

But the more I learned about her “weirdness,” the more I wanted to be just like her.

You see, it was the way my Aunt Marion lived out her faith that made her weird.

She believed BIG!
She watched for Jesus’ imminent return.
She memorized Scripture so she’d know it well, in case she couldn’t read it someday.
She lived her faith.
She had God’s “weird” peace.

Her life wasn’t perfect. Aunt Marion had struggles just like the rest of us. Maybe even more than some, but no matter what was going on around her . . . everyone she met knew she loved her Lord.

It’s hard, isn’t it?

When life is bump-free it’s easy to say, “God is good.” But when life is hard…when relationships are challenging and health is fragile, when finances are tight and days are difficult those are the moments where our faith gets real.

That’s when you and I need God’s “weird” peace.

Because it’s that weirdness, that impossible to explain or understand, supernatural, awe-inspiring peace, that makes people look into us and see Jesus.

When observers see peace instead of the meltdown they’d be having . . . well, they just may want to know more about how to have a little of it themselves.

Paul talked about “weird” peace in Philippians 4:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4–9

Let’s pull it apart into bite-sized pieces.

10 Steps to Experience God’s “Weird” Peace

1. Always be joyful.

Blessing counting inspires joy. When I focus on God’s goodness and countless blessings, I can’t help myself…I’m just more joyful.

“The very nature of joy makes nonsense of our common distinction between having and wanting.” ~C.S.Lewis

2. Be kind and considerate in all you do.

Not only is kindness the right thing to do, I could almost be kind for selfish reasons. I’m more likely to receive kindness when I give it. Kindness defeats conflict. How about that for a peace maker? Try it. It works!

“Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.” ~Frederick W. Faber

3. Don’t worry.

Worry is a peace robber. It’s impossible to have the peace that surprises and inspires when I’m worried.

“You find no difficulty in trusting the Lord with the management of the universe and all the outward creation, and can your case be any more complex or difficult than these, that you need to be anxious or troubled about His management of it?” ~Hannah Whitall Smith

4. Pray about everything.

Praying about everything is being constantly aware of God’s presence. Knowing He wants me to talk with Him about everything. Big, small, or in-between.

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” ~Brother Lawrence

5. Tell God what you need.

It’s not easy to know the difference between my wants and my needs. I believe it’s good to pray about both while I stay confidently content my Heavenly Father will meet my every need.

“The life of less, one bent on simplicity, and not needing or wanting anything other than what God has deemed good for you turns out to be all you could ever need or want.” ~Hayley DiMarco

6. Thank God for all He has done.

Thankfulness leads to satisfaction and satisfaction leads to peace. Praising and thanking God every day is a foolproof way to change my attitude.

“A grateful heart is one that finds the countless blessings of God in the seemingly mundane everyday life.” ~Anonymous

7. Focus on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

As a recovering fearful worrier, focusing on God’s positive does not come easily for me but if I want peace I must keep counting my blessings and stay focused on His truth.

“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” ~W. Clement Stone

8. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

It’s easier to notice people’s faults than to find reasons to praise and encourage them but if my goal is personal and relational peace then I must look for the good in others and tell them.

“Love people who hate you. Pray for people who have wronged you. It won’t just change their life…it’ll change yours.” ~Mandy Hale

9. Live by the truths of God’s Word daily.

I can know God’s commands and Jesus’ “Blessed are…” quotes but if I don’t apply them to my life it will be impossible for me to enjoy peace.

“The word of God hidden in the heart is a stubborn voice to suppress.” ~Billy Graham

10. Experience God’s peace.

I’ve lived too many years with anxiety. Peace is better.

“Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace… If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness, you know what His will is.” ~Amy Carmichael

“Weird” peace is best!

I want God’s “weird” peace that is hard to understand and impossible to describe. And the wonderful part is it’s possible.

10 steps to possible.

Are you ready to follow His 10 steps and experience “weird” peace? Are you ready to join me and be like my Aunt Marion?

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