We live in a topsy-turvy, fast-paced world. It’s easy in the rush of crammed, hectic schedules to neglect life’s most important priorities. There is more to life than increasing its speed.[i] Our lives can easily become so busy…but oh, so barren. God  has a special four-part “peace plan” to guide, strengthen, and inspire  you with hope and energy. Let’s explore these vital elements of stress  protection, physical and mental health, and spiritual vitality.  Daily  applying these four principles will help you flourish instead of  flounder as you face life’s challenges and demands.

1. A Lifestyle that Promotes Peace. Lifestyle  is a major factor that affects mental, physical, social, and spiritual  health. Lifestyle choices matter, especially the ones we repeat every  day. They have a profound affect on brain function, which is the seat of  your thinking, emotions, and decisions. “Many of the fundamental tools  for the care and feeding of the brain are everyday matters. Physical and  mental exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep will help anyone  gain cognitive clarity and emotional stability.”[ii] Power up your lunch and supper with crunchy, colorful fresh vegetable  salads, greens, and beans. Try healthy vegetarian entrees instead of  fatty meats and fried food. You won’t crave snacks with this delicious,  high-fiber fare. Want real brain energy and body vigor? Water is the  beverage of choice between meals instead of soda and coffee!

2. Attitudes that Produce Peace. Your  mind, brain, and body are in constant communication through may  different systems. Your thoughts and attitudes have a powerful effect on  the rest of your body, especially your immune, nervous, and digestive  systems. We can literally think ourselves into a frenzy, but God  promises His peace, “perfect peace” to the one whose mind is centered  upon Him. Isaiah 26:3. He invites us to trust Him with every  circumstance of our life. A thankful attitude is associated with better  physical and mental health, and even a longer life. “A contented mind, a  cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul.”[iii] This is an attitudinal discipline that focuses on God’s truth and  solutions rather than fear, circumstances, and unreliable emotions.

3. Spiritual Principles that Secure Peace. “Spiritual well-being is at the center of a healthy lifestyle.”[iv] To meet our deepest longings, God has provided spiritual principles  that bring true life satisfaction. This does not come with wealth, fame,  popularity, or even perfect health. It comes through making peace with  God—in entering into a saving relationship with Him. Studies confirm  that “Religious commitment may play a beneficial role in preventing  mental and physical illness, improving how people cope with mental and  physical illness, and facilitating recovery.”[v] Our natural hearts are not drawn to God, but we need Him. We are drawn  to God because of our need—and God’s healing love which draws us. “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1  John 4:19. God’s love is the foundation of a relationship with Him and  healthy relationships with each other. We connect with God through  prayer and learning about Him in His life-giving Word, the Bible. “In the day of my trouble I will call upon you, for You will answer me.” Psalm 86:7.

4. Faith that Preserves Peace. Faith  is more than positive thinking—it is connecting with the living God who  seeks to restore all that sin has broken and taken away. Jesus never  promised an absence of problems. Jesus said: “These things I have  told you, that in Me you might have peace.  In the World you will have  trouble, but take courage! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.  Faith is the conviction that God will guide you and give you power  through both good times and bad. Faith says, “Either make the problem  smaller, or me bigger! God has a plan and He cares for you in a very  personal way. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, purposes of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11.

God’s Peace Plan can be Yours. Hulda  Crooks experienced God’s peace plan in her lifestyle, attitude, trust  in God, and faith. She was a sickly, sedentary, overweight woman for  many years. She became a vegetarian, which improved her mental and  physical health. But when she experienced the loss of her husband and  son, she fell into depression. Hulda began walking which not only  relieved her depression—it also eliminated more of her physical  maladies, including constant fatigue.

Conquering Life’s Mountains. Hulda  also began practicing a positive, faith-based attitude that gave her  the “altitude” to stay inspired and be an inspiration to others! From  aged 63 to well into her 90s, she completed 23 Mt. Whitney climbs,  backpacked 212 miles of the John Muir Trail, climbed 86 Southern  California peaks, and held 8 world records for seniors over the age of  80. This spunky late-bloomer caught and taught inspiration as a  motivational speaker, and was affectionately known as “Grandma Whitney.”  A mountain peak of Whitney is named “Crooks Peak” in her honor. God’s  peace plan was fulfilled in Hulda’s life—and it can be fulfilled in  yours too!  Would you like to experience the fullness of Gods power,  promise, and plan for your life? His peace plan is for you!

[i] Ghandi.

[ii] Ratey, J. User’s Guide to the Brain, p. 356. Vintage Books, 2002.

[iii] White, E. Counsels on Health, p. 344. Pacific Press, 1949.

[iv] Am J Crit Care 1995;4(1):77-81.

[v] Arch Fam Med 1998;7(2):118-24.

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