10 Steps to Know the “Weird” Peace of God

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"Weird" peace - that impossible to explain or understand, supernatural, awe-inspiring peace, that makes people look into us and see Jesus.

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.

"Weird" peace - that impossible to explain or understand, supernatural, awe-inspiring peace, that makes people look into us and see Jesus.

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

"Weird" peace - that impossible to explain or understand, supernatural, awe-inspiring peace, that makes people look into us and see Jesus.

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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30 Comments

  1. Misty Blair says:

    Love this thank you.

  2. I definitely want that “weird” peace of God in my life each and every day!
    Blessings, Deb!

    1. Yay! It’s the best way to be, isn’t it, Martha? Enjoy a wonderful day filled with His “weird” peace!

  3. What an encouraging post, Deb! I don’t care if I’m “weird,” I want to believe BIG and live every moment for Jesus. Your Gram’s sister is a great inspiration. <3

    1. I love the way you say it Lauren! That’s exactly what I want . . . to believe BIG and live every moment for Jesus. Amen!

  4. What a wonderful post, Deb!
    Your Aunt Marion sounds like she was quite the lady and a wonderful role model for you in your faith!
    Of all of the steps that you shared, I think the one about kindness most touches my heart.
    Thanks for another great word about peace~

    1. Olga Quiros says:

      Dear Deb:
      I just reas about your “Weird Aunt marion” I think we all will like to be like Her. I will call a Blind Faith living. whis is the one trascends all understanding. Im working Hard to gelt there.it is hard when life is just a challenge mostly every day. But i have more than a year trying hard to be like your Aunt. may the Lord bless you and thank you for sharing thi s today

      1. Blind Faith living . . . I want that! Complete trust that gives peace! Blessings to you, Olga!

    2. Thank you, Melanie! I so appreciate your encouragement! Hugs to you!

  5. Lori Schumaker says:

    Yes! Weird peace! I love it! It is kind of weird. But so incredibly awesome!
    Hugs, my friend!
    Lori

    1. Awesome and needed! Thanks so much, Lori!

  6. I would love to be known as weird! It’s exactly like God wants “not conforming to the world.”
    Great post!
    Sharing on Facebook and Twitter
    Julie

    1. You’re right, Julie! Not conforming is just a little weird! Thanks so much for blessing me with your encouragement! Hugs to you!

  7. This is beautiful! I love it. Your blog is so inspiring!!

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

    1. Thank you so much, Brittany! God’s blessings to you!

  8. Mary Geisen says:

    Love these words! “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.

    Peace is possible and your illustrations from Philippians showed it beautifully. Thank you for these words today.

    1. Thank you, Mary! I so appreciate your kind encouragement! You bless me!

  9. I have noticed that when I take my eyes off the Lord and focus instead on my circumstance, I lose that peace, as well as joy and gratitude. Whenever I start feeling anxious, that is my “cue” to refocus…

    1. Me too, Cheryl. I have to keep my focus on Jesus if I want to have peace. It’s just not possible any other way!

  10. These are just great steps to God’s weird peace. I just love them as they are not really another “to do” list but more of a tangible way to “abide in Christ.” Thanks Deb!

    1. Karen, It’s easy to look for a list of ways to grow my faith. I was so blessed to look at the Philippians passage and realize everything I needed was right there. I just love God’s Word. All I need to have trusting faith and “weird” peace.

  11. Gimme some of that weird peace! I’ll take it any day. Thanks for some great reminders of what it requires, Deb.

  12. Aunt Marion knew the same joy as the Apostle Peter who said, “It is better to obey God rather than man.” I wonder if she and the apostle are looking down and thinking how weird humanity is to be so slow to surrender to God and do things His way. 🙂

    In the world’s eyes, marching to a different drum may be weird, but I want to see things from God’s point of view. It is ultimately His “Well done, good and faithful servant,” that I am longing to hear.

    As always, I love the quotes you find and salt and pepper liberally through your posts. Some of those saints are probably rejoicing with Peter and Aunt Marion as their words continue to encourage those of us still waiting to join them in the sweet by and by.

  13. Your Aunt Marion sounds like a lady I would love to have in my life. I want the peace only God can give. These ten steps are great, Deb. Thank you for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.

  14. Deb, I look so forward to reading you blog through the week, especially when I find you on Fresh Market Friday:) I love the “weird” peace, because it doesn’t make sense to the world, but it is such perfect peace when we choose it!

  15. I’ve always been a little weird, but probably not weird-enough to be lumped in the category of your Aunt Marion was weird, Deb! What an inspiring story and legacy she left. And I love the challenges you’ve given us. They are indeed what we all need to do to feel weirdly peaceful in a chaotic and painful world. Thanks so much for the encouragement. I needed it!

  16. Deb Ruble says:

    I just found you. You are the voice of God to me right now. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul with us.

    Deb

  17. Hi Deb! Found you via the “Tuesday Talk” link-up. This is a great post – my eye caught the words “weird peace”, and when you put with God’s name, you really got my attention! So much to learn – an ongoing, work in program I am … thank you for sharing! Looking forward to delving into your blog.

  18. Deb,

    Every single time I come to visit you and read your words I leave smiling and encouraged. It is a vitamin for my soul. I want to be like your aunt too!

    Thanks for sharing this with me at #GraceMoments!
    Blessings,
    Dawn