Good Morning!
Today, amidst the jangle of the phone, production deadlines, gnarled traffic, and family demands, you may be wondering if experiencing His peace is possible. Contrary to how you may be feeling, the answer is a resounding “YES!” And here’s why: Peace is not something we seek to attain; rather it is a quality we already possess:
“…He Himself [already] is our peace…” (Eph. 2:14)
Rather than striving for peace, simply appropriate the peace that is already yours to enjoy…in Christ. Why not take a moment right now, and thank Him for the peace that is yours by virtue of the indwelling Christ.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid…I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn.l 14:27; 16:33)
The word “peace” in these Scriptures conveys the idea of quietness. Rest. Welfare. The Old Testament counter-part is shalom communicating security. Safety. To be at ease.
And how, in a practical sense can we sustain His peace? Here are a few suggestions:
- Understand that experiencing peace is the natural outgrowth of our justification: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Rom. 5:2)
- Evaluate where your mind is focused. On the sinful? Or on values synonymous with those of the Spirit”? “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace…” (Rom. 8:6)
- Choose to surrender moment-by-moment to the Spirit’s prompting: “…Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature…The fruit of the Spirit is …peace…” (Gal. 5:16a, 22b)
- Offer each of your anxieties up to Him. And then leave them there! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6,7)
- Seek to divest your life of confusion, working toward simplicity and focus: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…” (I Cor. 14:33a)
QUESTION: We are faced with the choice of living anxiously or drawing on The Source to live at peace. Which will it be?
My prayer is that you are having a great week!