My heart pounded. I felt as if a crushing weight had descended upon my chest. I couldn’t breathe, and I panicked. My thoughts raced. Was I going to die? Would I see Jesus? What would my husband do? Then, a more sinister voice whispered, “You’re getting what you deserve!”

I choked and desperately prayed. “Lord, help me. Please!”

The pressure in my chest eased. I gasped for breath. This was the first time I experienced a spiritual and physical anxiety attack. At the time, I had no idea what it was. I had never heard of such a thing. It wasn’t until later that I fully understood. I was dealing with a lot, including unresolved guilt. But when my friend and I went through a study on the Holy Spirit, she rightfully pointed out the actual cause: my lack of peace.

I had not learned what it means to be content in all circumstances. Honestly, I am still not great at it. I still struggle with trusting God when things go awry. Whether it is unexpected costs, debilitating illness, or devastating loss, circumstances can pull me away from peace. But when the thorns and thistles of this life threaten my faith, I remember to look to the author and perfecter of my faith.

True peace comes from Jesus, the Prince of Peace (John 16:33). If my eyes and my attention are on glorifying Him, I will experience peace. If I trust Him despite the circumstances, I will experience peace. And if I surrender my worries and anxieties to Him, I will be at peace.

These words in John remind us that turning to the Prince of Peace is the most important thing we can do in life. Instead of letting the problems of this life turn us away from Him, we can let them turn us toward Him.

Give Jesus whatever you need to ease your anxiety. Listen to His voice rather than the voice of the evil one. Find your peace from the Prince.