Peace comes from God’s presence, guarded by prayer, gratitude, trust, and hope

Enjoying How to Maintain Peace and Avoid Stress and Anxiety - Bill Johnson Sermon | Bethel Church

Bill Johnson teaches that peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of God, who guards the heart and mind when we stay grounded in prayer, gratitude, and trust. Scripture reinforces this pattern. Jesus gives a peace the world cannot match (John 14:27), and believers are urged to let that peace rule their hearts (Colossians 3:15). Prayerlessness opens the door to temptation and lack (James 4:2; Matthew 26:41), while thankfulness acts as protective armor (Philippians 4:6–7). Worry is misplaced faith (Matthew 6:27), but casting burdens on God restores confidence and strength (1 Peter 5:7; Isaiah 41:10). Fear disrupts intimacy, yet perfect love drives it out (1 John 4:18), enabling us to hear God clearly (John 10:27). Biblical peace restores spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23), and the God of hope fills His people with joy and peace as they trust Him (Romans 15:13).

Peace is presence, not escape.

God’s peace is His active presence, not the absence of conflict.
• “My peace I give you… not as the world gives.” John 14:27
• “He himself is our peace.” Ephesians 2:14
• “The God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

Keep your peace.
A noisy heart loses what God already gave.
• “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Colossians 3:15
• “In returning and rest you shall be saved.” Isaiah 30:15
• “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Prayerlessness creates lack.
No prayer. More pressure.
• “You do not have because you do not ask.” James 4:2
• “Pray continually.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• Jesus warned Peter to “watch and pray… so you will not fall into temptation.” Matthew 26:41

Thankfulness is a guard.
Gratitude is armor.
• “Present your requests… and the peace of God will guard your hearts.” Philippians 4:6–7
• Jesus “gave thanks” on the night He was betrayed. Luke 22:19
• “Give thanks in all circumstances.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Worry is misplaced faith.
Anxiety trusts the wrong kingdom.
• “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour…?” Matthew 6:27
• “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
• “Do not fear… I will strengthen you.” Isaiah 41:10

Guard peace to hear God.
Noise blunts discernment. Peace sharpens it.
• “My sheep hear my voice.” John 10:27
• “In quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15
• “The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

Fear breaks connection.
Fear disrupts intimacy with God.
• “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10
• “Perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:18
• “The Lord is my light… whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1

Peace restores spirit, soul, and body.
Peace is whole-person restoration.
• “May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
• “The God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
• “He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:3

Hopelessness is a spiritual attack.
Reject it. Replace it with resurrection hope.
• “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God.” Psalm 42:5
• “By His great mercy… a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3
• “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.” Romans 15:13

Breakthrough requires standing.
Hope activates when we respond.
• “Stand firm… and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring.” Exodus 14:13
• “Resist the devil, and he will flee.” James 4:7
• “Call to me, and I will answer you.” Jeremiah 33:3