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Finding Peace: God's Promise of a Life Free from Regret, Anxiety, and Fear

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In times of crisis and confusion, Dr. Charles Stanley has learned the one phrase that can carry him through: "God, You are in control." The peace he has experienced in life stems from that foundational belief. In Finding Peace , Dr. Stanley shares with readers how they, too, can experience an unshakeable peace which "passes all understanding." Filled with encouragement to lift the soul, Finding Peace offers insight on what causes us to live without God's peace in our lives, and how we can reverse course and open our hearts to receive it. Also, Stanley gives his perspective on the things that hinder peace-including the "Four Great Hallmarks of God's Peace" and "Five Essential Beliefs for a Peaceful Heart"-to put the important message of this book into concrete terms. Addressing regret, anxiety, and fear, Dr. Stanley extends hope for overcoming the obstacles that block peace with the Lord. Finally, he gives direction on learning to live a life of contentment.

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 29, 2000

353 people are currently reading
691 people want to read

About the author

Charles F. Stanley

555 books676 followers
Dr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.

Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.

However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.

Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”

Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.

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5 stars
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59 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Jennah.
255 reviews
March 17, 2017
I always struggle with worrying. It's horrible because it keeps me up for hours at night. I told my mom this and she told me that I should pray and ask God for peace. So at night I do my devotions before bed and pray and I can tell you, it works. About a week later I was looking at books on Amazon and found this. I already love Charles Stanly's books so I bought it and here I am now, finished with reading it. And it was totally worth reading!

Charles Stanly never ceases to amaze me with his wisdom! I absolutely LOVED this book, he taught me so much about finding peace. Charles Stanly shows you how to gain real peace and that is only by one source and that is by God! Charles Stanly shows you Scripture about God's promises that He will always be with you, in good times and bad. Reading God's Word and praying to God for peace is the only way towards true peace. God is the only source.

Contents:

1. Who's in Control?

2. The Foundation for All Peace

3. The Quality of Peace God Gives

4. Why We Lose Our Peace

5. Five Essential Beliefs for a Peaceful Heart

6. How Your Thought Life Affects Your Peace

7. Living Without Regret

8. Giving Up Anxiety

9. Getting to the Root Causes of Prolonged Anxiety

10. Living in Peace with Others

11. Restoring Peace in Relationships

12. Overcoming Fear

13. Learning to Live in Contentment
Profile Image for Karen Hogan.
925 reviews62 followers
August 11, 2020
Everyday with my morning cup of java, I try to start my day by reading something spiritual. I actually purchased this book years ago, when my teenage son was suffering from an onset of acute anxiety. He never read this book after all, so I finally did. As a baptist pastor, Charles Stanley encourages us to let go, and let God, as the only means to rid our lives from fear and anxiety. This book made me realize how many great passages are in the Bible, scripture that can help us to deal with the chaos of this world. Well worth reading, but not for everyone.
Profile Image for Shannon.
602 reviews7 followers
July 2, 2021
I had this on my shelf for about a decade before reading it, 6 years into the most tumultuous time of my life. It's full of good advice!
Profile Image for Brent Soderstrum.
1,643 reviews22 followers
November 16, 2012
I always enjoy reading books by Charles Stanley. This book seemed to come at a good time in my life with various things taking place that have caused me anxiety. "Jesus is in control" is one of the things I need to remember when faced with a situation that I view as potentially bad. Often times God uses those very situations to bring about something I never expected. I too often have self centered desires which in my infinite wisdom I feel should be met. It often takes me a while to see God at work.

Stanley also shares the effect of his marriage breaking up and how he was able to handle it. I enjoyed his discussion in that he was able to find God's peace even in sad events in his life. I want to share his thoughts with friends I have who are facing marital difficulties or a wife who wants the marriage to end.
Profile Image for LA TONYA.
10 reviews
April 1, 2015
I felt better after reading this book.

I am a follower of Dr. Stanley's television ministry and I read the bible daily so I am familiar with the material in this book. When you read this book you may think turmoil happens - focus on God, a piece of cake but it's not as easy as it seems.
I started this book a while ago and somehow other things got in the way of me finishing it. (I read "When the Enemy Strikes" in 2 days). Some issues came up, I started feeling conflicted; I returned to this book and finished it in less than a week. After chastising myself for letting the enemy steal my joy, reading this book put me back on track.
Profile Image for Brandon.
98 reviews17 followers
May 18, 2019
Dr Charles Stanley is one of the most insightful and intelligent pastors out there! The first time I heard about him was at my church through a friend! So I decided to get a few of his books and see what he had to offer me in terms of faith building. Finding peace was the first of his books I have read and man it was great!!! He gives you real insight of how to build yourself above the shortcomings of society to be a better you in the hardest of situations! After reading this book I feel a real sense of worth and happiness. If you have the time check this book out and i hope you find the same gratification as I did!
Profile Image for Jerron.
1 review
June 10, 2021
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, absolutely anyone. I happened to find this book during the most difficult and depressing time of my life. I realized I had been far away from God for a very long time, living with regret, anxiety, and fear, all things this book covers. Thiis book has given me the ability to find peace with my past mistakes, and motivation to continue my journey to walk closer with Him again.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
Author 12 books2 followers
July 13, 2016
When I first started this book, I thought, "Well, I've heard all of this before." Then it started to get a little better until I realize that it really was quite inspirational. This book teaches the reader how to take control over reality that has been taken away from us by the opinions and degradations of others, even those who have been abusive to us for a lifetime. It shakes the reader to understand that our anxieties and sensitivities are more worldly minded than we know and gives, really, step by step instructions on how to let go of the cruelty and interference of a battered spirit formed by others and find peace in focus on God. It's focus is on those of us who suffer from anxiety and sensitivity to the point of making the world too hard to endure. This book goes full circle, placing the mindset of the reader to less worldly thinking and to continue living with intentions away from nonessential, including the unfair judgements of others that lead to the destruction of our self-worth. It also teaches the reader how to let go of judging others themselves, and actually gives some pretty detailed and wonderful instruction on forgiveness. I really enjoyed this book. It is very applicable to life and how to deal with the competitive and hurtful intentions of others that we all, most likely have to collide with somewhere along the way. The spirituality within is very Christian based and leaves much to meditate on after the last page is turned. It's a simple read, but very, very relevant to the times. I am looking forward to reading Stanley's other book that continues where this one leaves off; Surviving in an Angry world, Finding Your Way to Personal Peace.
Profile Image for Kimberlee.
735 reviews9 followers
June 16, 2015
Friends and mentors of ours have talked so positively about Charles Stanley that I finally had to break down and read one of his books, and I am so glad that I did. The gentle yet truthful ways he presents Scripture made me the reader feel like I was listening in on an affirming conversation between my Creator and me. His honest personal sharing illustrates principles throughout this nonfiction work. I was sad to finish it today. I look forward to giving this book as a gift and to reading it again.
Profile Image for Sarah Piper.
1,841 reviews14 followers
June 11, 2017
First book I have ever read of Dr. Stanley and I really enjoyed it. A lot of wonderful insights.

"the foundation for living in God's peace is faith - an active, confident trust in His presence and power to sustain and comfort you no matter what the circumstances you face"

Loves this quote. Simple logic to live your life by.

"Our part is to trust God and acknowledge Him in all things. His part is to lead and guide us in paths He wants us to pursue."
Profile Image for Jana.
60 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2017
We're all searching for peace and a way to deal with the regrets in our lives. Dr. Stanley does an excellent job of guiding you through these emotions to a place of acceptance and hope for the future.
Profile Image for Leesa.
Author 12 books2,758 followers
July 14, 2013
I adore Dr. Stanley. This is such an encouraging book and written in a really conversational, easy way. And I love that he chooses to focus on the Lord's sovereignty and reminds Christians not to make God small. (I always need to hear this, everyday.)
Profile Image for Wayne Hastings.
49 reviews7 followers
February 7, 2014
Dr. Stanley draws from personal experience and the Scriptures as he teaches about contentment and the real, and lasting peace of God. Is recommend the book for anyone who is struggling with fear, doubt and depression from circumstances, events, or any life challenges.
Profile Image for Mrs..
316 reviews10 followers
Read
July 30, 2011
"Jesus is the source of your contentment"
Profile Image for Lenita Sheridan.
Author 4 books58 followers
May 19, 2018
Good to Read, but Needs Work

Dr. Stanley refers to James 4: 7 when he writes when we resist the devil, he must flee, but he forgets the verse before it which says to submit yourselves to God. We must first do this in order for the devil to flee.

Long suffering is just what it says, suffering for a long time, not patience. We can have patience without suffering. Dr. Stanley says it best on p. 162, when he writes "We must be willing to endure some tough times . . . ."

Dr. Stanley writes about "negative signals" and refers to "the loud music, " yet some Christian music today can be loud and even back in Biblical days they were to make a joyful noise.

Basically, though, this is an excellent book. Dr. Stanley has taught me, through writing this book, that the most important part of having peace is to have a close personal relationship with God. Through personal stories and Biblical examples, he shows how we can overcome regret, anxiety, and fear.

The main problem I had with the book was in the formatting. Having no space after a period makes it difficult to highlight. For my own personal reference, I like to highlight passages that have special meaning to me.
Profile Image for D.A. Cairns.
Author 20 books53 followers
June 7, 2024
How to get what you really want

This book is so great. I've had it on my TBR list for years, but finally got to read it now. Why? Am I more keenly aware of the lack of peace in my life? Yes.

If you're afraid, anxious, living in constant tension and stress, you must read this book and follow the practical principles within. Theoretically easy, but practically difficult - especially if you, like me, have been living without peace for a long time, Finding Peace has the solution to the war within you.

More accurately, I should say Jesus - the Prince of Peace - has the solution. Dr. Stanley's book shows you how to access true peace and contentment.

It is easy to read, filled with great anecdotes, practical tips and encouragement. My spirit surged within me as I read. I've got some work to do, but I know God is with me and God is for me, so everything will be okay.
Profile Image for Justin Gaynor.
22 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2017
I picked this book up at the library and just finished it tonight. We are using it as a study guide for a discipleship class. I am really enjoying the conversations and have experienced a deeper more consistent sense of peace as we have been communally taking hold of God's promises of peace through faith in Christ Jesus. So, I am thankful to God for Dr. Stanley's faithfulness in his contributing to our upbuilding.
Profile Image for Carissa.
40 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2023
Charles Stanley has produced a wonderful book in Finding Peace. A book that is focused on Micah 6:8 and other wonderful scriptures remind us to Praise God, trust King Jesus, listen to the Holy Spirit while love with mercy, act justly and walk humbly. Charles Stanley guides the reader through self-reflection and offers great wisdom to find and be at peace within the Lord. #findingpeace #goodbooks #goodreads #booksbrewsbotanicals #charlesstanley #christianbooks
Profile Image for Laura Leilani.
371 reviews17 followers
October 3, 2023
A great book that tackles the reasons why some of us can’t find peace. Anxiety? Fear? Shame? This book challenges us to look deep within and then sorts the problems out, using the Bible. Most of the emotional baggage many of us struggle with can be dealt with by learning more about how God truly is. Sometimes our ideas and teachings about God are wrong. Dr Stanley has very strong arguments, using the Bible as his only reference, showing the love of God.
Profile Image for William Xil.
52 reviews36 followers
May 16, 2017
Christ-focused we find peace

I recommend this book to anyone who struggles with anxiety and fear. There is no security in our ability to find peace, but when we turn to Christ things change. I liked this book, not only the subject but also the way the author wrote it, simple and personal.
Profile Image for Christine.
12 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2025
I took a break reading this because there was a section that I really disagreed with and was kinda troubled by… but I’m glad I came back and finished it. The last two chapters are really insightful, useful, practical and encouraging - I’ll come back to those last two chapters again.
25 reviews
January 5, 2020
My word for 2018 was PEACE; this was a good read.
Profile Image for Ro.
188 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2020
Great inspirational book. I enjoyed it.
10 reviews
February 16, 2021
Fantastic book!

Another wonderful book by Charles Stanley. His books are so, so good and this one is exceptional. I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Diana  Puckett .
955 reviews12 followers
December 9, 2022
A quick easy read that's full of helpful information to help with finding peace and relieving anxiety.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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