I once heard someone say, “When people cannot control you, they try to control how others see you.”
That statement stayed with me, and I know I’m not alone. So many of us have felt it. You leave certain situations not at peace, but drained, with less energy than you had coming. That isn’t just stress; it’s spiritual.
The truth is, a lot of what we face with people isn’t really about us, it’s about control. And when control isn’t possible, stories get twisted, blame gets shifted, and it can feel like you’re the problem. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about people. This is spiritual warfare.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world…” (Ephesians 6:12)
What you’re facing is more than emotions, it’s a spiritual battle. The enemy cannot touch your soul, so he comes after what God has placed in you: your peace, your focus, your joy. He’ll try to fill your heart with anger, confusion, and shame, but don’t fall for it. Hear this clearly: you are not the problem. You belong to Jesus, and what He has planted in you is sacred, powerful, and untouchable. Guard it. Protect it. Stand firm, because your life, your heart, and your destiny are too valuable to surrender.
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Your heart is where God speaks. It’s where His peace lives. Not everyone should have access. Even if someone wants to be close, God shows you who should have influence in your life.
I remember a time leaving a situation feeling completely drained. Nothing dramatic happened, but I walked away questioning myself, wondering why I felt so off. Have you ever been there?
Later, when I prayed, God showed me something I hadn’t fully seen before: the struggle wasn’t really about words or actions. It was about a force at work that wasn’t meant to have power over me.
That moment changed everything. I realized I couldn’t keep letting situations steal my peace and call it “normal.” God was teaching me that guarding my peace isn’t about shutting people out: it’s about protecting the place where He works in you, the place that gives you strength, clarity, and direction.
From that day on, I understood this truth: peace isn’t optional. It’s a choice. A way of living. It is a reflection of God at work in your life. Peace is priceless. It cannot be bought, borrowed, or stolen. When you guard it, you aren’t just protecting yourself, you’re standing in the power and authority God has given you.
God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Saying no doesn’t make you wrong. You can forgive and still protect yourself. You can pray and still close the door. Boundaries aren’t rejection, they protect what God has placed in you.
If the enemy can’t destroy you, he will try to distract you. If he can’t weaken your faith, he will attack your focus.
But the Bible reminds us: “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Resisting doesn’t always mean arguing or fighting. Sometimes it’s staying quiet. Sometimes it’s walking away. And sometimes, it’s simply holding on to the peace Jesus already bought for you, and refusing to hand it over to fear, doubt, or confusion.
Never forget: God sees every battle you’ve been in. He knows every fight. He never asked you to take on people or situations He didn’t assign to you. This isn’t about anger, it’s about wisdom. It isn’t about pride, it’s about walking in God’s strength. You are not hard to love: you are wise and discerning, and that is a gift.
Jesus Himself walked away from certain crowds. He didn’t explain Himself to everyone. After facing rejection in Nazareth, “Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way” (Luke 4:30). He protected His mission and moved in peace, even when people misunderstood Him.
You can do the same. The peace He gives is strong, it’s eternal. Protecting it is choosing what God has placed in you over what tries to steal it.
You don’t need permission to guard your peace. You don’t need approval to set boundaries. All you need is the courage to live in the gift He already gave you.
Don’t be distracted by what others say. Let God fight for you. Trust Him with the battles you can't see. Love people, yes, but from freedom, not fear.
And never forget this: He is your strength. Guard what He's placed in you, because it is holy.
Pray With Me
Father God,Help me guard the peace You’ve given me. Give me courage to step away from anything not from You. Silence every voice that is not inspired by You. Thank You for being my protector, my strength, and my refuge. I stand firm in Your authority and in all You have for me.In Jesus’ name, amen.
