How to Find Peace When You Miss the Way Things Were - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - August 26, 2026
iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women
Audio By Carbonatix
By Carolyn Dale Newell, Crosswalk.com
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." - Colossians 3:15 NIV
I wanted my life back the way it was before severe pain invited itself into my world. My life had been put on hold for nine months until I had a multilevel spinal fusion surgery to correct a severe case of scoliosis. Now, I was second-guessing my decision for the surgery. The excruciating post-surgical pain kept me awake at night. Since surgery, I have developed Restless Leg Syndrome and Neuropathy. My legs wanted to run a marathon every night, and the unusual sensations in my legs and feet weren’t going away.
Have you found yourself in a situation you don’t want to be in? I know that feeling, especially when there’s nothing you can do to change things. You have prayed, but it has become clear that this is your new life. I did everything the doctors and physical therapists instructed me to do, but the healing crept along like a snail. As I enthusiastically did my exercises, I realized something one afternoon. I had allowed all the pain and complications to steal my joy and peace. I realized that God’s peace had to rule my heart, not the discouragement that had taken over. I’ll never stop praying for healing, but I will not allow this body to hold me down. I must accept my new normal, trusting God, my sovereign Lord.
How do we invite peace back into our hearts when something has invaded that sacred place? Look at the last part of our focal verse, and you will read “be thankful.” What could I thank God for? I was alive and could walk with a walker. I came out of surgery without the major complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, or infection. My husband was staying at home, taking care of me. My precious black Labrador Retriever was my constant companion. My list continued. Social media reminded me that many people were in much worse shape than me. As I prayed for them, I thanked God that my condition wasn’t the most horrible thing in the world.
We also must allow peace to take charge of our hearts. When that familiar feeling of discouragement or disappointment began to stir, I had to make the choice to let peace rule instead of wallowing in my anxiety. Whenever I found myself going down those familiar paths, I had to put a stop to the thoughts that brought me down. I had to tell those feelings that the peace of Christ had taken control of this heart and mind with a peace that is beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7). I had to do that daily, but it works when you mix it with prayer and the Word of God. We may not be strong enough to take thoughts captive and demand peace, but God has that power. When we are weak, He strengthens us, and His peace will not remain absent when we cry out for it.
Peace is not the absence of problems. Peace is present in the presence of Christ, and when we invite Him into our problems, His peace will act as a guard over our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). Make time to read your Bible and pray. God speaks His peace to us from the pages of Scripture. I’m sorry you are in a place you don’t want to be, but from the other side of this situation, I can tell you that hope lies ahead of you. I can walk without any assistance now, even though some discomfort still lingers. I am a better Christian for going through this trial, and I am in a better place with God after navigating the storm.
Let’s start with thankfulness. What can you give God thanks for? What emotions are ruling your heart? What would letting peace rule in your heart look like for you? I pray that the peace of God soon overflows your heart and brings much joy. With God, all things are possible (Luke 1:37). Let your heavenly Father comfort you as you adapt to this new place in your life.
Let's pray ...
Heavenly Father,
I haven’t felt very grateful because of my circumstances. I know I can’t go back, but can you give me the peace to move forward? Thank You.
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/AscentXmedia
Carolyn Dale Newell is a best-selling author and certified speaker. She knows the bitter taste of suffering from blindness to chronic pain. Her passion is to encourage women to keep their eyes on Jesus and not their circumstances in her devotional, Embers of Endurance: Rising Above Chronic Pain and Illness. You can connect with Carolyn on her website and her women’s ministry group on Facebook.
Related Resource: How Faith Finds Us When Life Takes a Detour
Joining us this week is worship leader turned viral comedian Heather Land. After growing up in the shadow of her mother’s decades-long addiction, Heather reflects on how this painful season—alongside her unexpected shift from the worship stage to the world of comedy—taught her that while our paths may take unforeseen turns, our core calling to encourage and uplift others remains constant.
Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Rachel Kessler, an Episcopal priest and Kenyon College chaplain who completed her PhD in medieval studies at the University of Toronto before pivoting to seminary after hitting academic burnout, then built a following as the “Nerdy Priest” on TikTok after a student secretly downloaded the app on her phone.
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