The Gate — J Calaway — Make Today Count

“The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.” Think about that for a moment. If your spirit is at peace, if your inner world is steady, then no matter what happens on the outside—you’re unshaken.

1. Trouble Outside vs. Peace Inside — John 14:27

That’s powerful. He didn’t say, “I’ll take away every problem.” He said, “I’ll give you peace that surpasses the problem.” The first rule, then, is to guard that peace. Don’t let what’s happening around you dictate what’s happening in you.

2. Why peace matters — Proverbs 4:23

An untroubled spirit is really about protecting your heart—the wellspring of your life.

Peace isn’t the absence of problems, it’s the presence of God in the middle of them.

3. How to Keep an Untroubled Spirit

Pray instead of worrying — Philippians. 4:6-7

Stay Rooted in God’s Word — Isaiah 26:3

Choose trust over control — Psalm 55:22

The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. You can’t always control the waves, but you can control whether or not you let them inside your boat. Jesus offers peace that the world can’t take away.

As you go through your day, ask yourself: Am I letting this situation trouble my spirit, or am I guarding my peace by trusting God?

Make today count by keeping your spirit steady, your faith strong, and your eyes on the Prince of Peace.