KEY 1: TAKE PART IN THE GREAT COMMISSION!
Your Bible gives a mission to every human being on earth. It should be the number-one goal in your life. The Messiah, Jesus Christ, gives us a major key to tranquility and peace of mind: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
The Kingdom of God is coming soon to this earth! Are you praying daily, as Jesus taught us, “Your Kingdom come”? When we see all the evils imploding upon the world around us, we yearn for the Kingdom to come. Do you have that as your mission? Notice what Jesus said in the next verse. When you seek a cause greater than yourself, you can find peace of mind. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (v. 34).
In this sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus emphasized the need for faith! We need to live each day by the faith of Jesus Christ!
Before Jesus’ ascension to heaven, He gave His disciples what is called “The Great Commission,” proclaiming: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen” (Matthew 28:18–20).
Jesus also proclaimed the Great Commission in this way: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned [judged]” (Mark 16:14–15).
Yes, Jesus came preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God. You can read about that in Mark 1:15–16. Do your part to support that great mission. Seek to have a cause greater than yourself!
KEY 2: PRAY ABOUT YOUR WORRIES
One challenge common to most people is the stress of managing our finances. The American Psychological Association report mentioned earlier in this article stated this: “Stress about money and finances appears to have a significant impact on Americans’ lives. Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of adults report feeling stressed about money at least some of the time and nearly one-quarter say that they experience extreme stress about money…. In some cases, people are even putting their health care needs on hold because of financial concerns.”
Sometimes we feel stress because we will not share our burdens with anyone else. Alone with our troubles, we compound the worry. But there is someone with whom you can share your worries about finances, relationships, work or anything else that troubles you! God wants you to share your anxieties with Him! Notice this wonderful promise: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).
All the money in the world cannot buy you happiness. But God wants to freely give you that very special and priceless gift: peace of mind. What an incredible promise God is giving you. Be plain and open and heartfelt in sharing your problems in prayer. Ancient King David was very open and even forward in his urgent complaints and prayers. He cried out: “Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!” (Psalm 30:10). This is just one of many requests for God’s mercy found throughout the Bible. Notice that God is called the “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” in 2 Corinthians 1:3.
Share your anxieties with God in prayer. Suggest solutions to your problems. Thank God for the privilege of coming before His throne of grace. Look forward to His promise that He will give you “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”