PEACE
We are living at a time when there is increasing unrest and violence in the world. It seems that each new day brings with it further disappointments, new conflicts and added troubles. All of this is very unsettling, and many people are longing after, and even crying out for peace in their hearts and souls. In their desperation they wonder if such a peace really does exist, and if it does exist, where can it be found.
Here is some good news for you if you are seeking peace in this restless and troubled world. God Himself has provided a way for each of us to experience everlasting peace in our hearts and souls through the atoning death of His Son on the cross. Jesus suffered there to pay for the sins of everyone who will put their trust in Him. In the Bible we read, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) The moment we turn from our sinful ways and trust in Jesus and His atoning death we receive the gift of everlasting peace. When we receive Him as our Savior by faith, none of our sins will ever be held against us. We read in (1 John 1:7), “The blood of Jesus Christ, His (God’s) Son cleanses us from all sin.’’
Having this wonderful peace with God is the solid foundation for enjoying the peace of God in every circumstance of our lives. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that we can experience the peace of God in spite of the troubled world that we are passing through.
In (Colossians 3:15) we read, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Here are four examples of how we can let God’s peace rule in our hearts.
1) “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
One of the surest ways to upset a peaceful mind and heart is to let our minds be occupied, and dwell on negative and impure things. On the other hand, if we walk in the instructions given to us in the above verses, we have the wonderful promise, “The God of peace will be with you.
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2) “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Another thing that often disturbs our peace and troubles our souls is our tendency to worry too much about so many things. How often have you been concerned about someone or something, and then, not seeing a solution to your concern, you started to worry. The verse above has the right course of action for us. We are to cast all of our care(s) upon the Lord because He cares for us. If you are anything like me, you have cast your burden upon the Lord, and then, 5 or 10 minutes later there you are, trying to carry the weight all over again by yourself. May the Lord teach us how to cast our cares upon Him and leave them there in His capable hands. Replacing worry with real peace is the right thing to do.
3) “My son, do not forget My teaching, but let your heart keep My commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1-2)
This is a wonderful and sure way of enjoying the peace of God in our lives every single day. Notice that first, we are told, “do not forget My teaching” and then, second, we are told, “let your heart keep my commands.” This reminds me of what we read in the book of James, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” We are to feed on God’s word daily and then walk in the light of what He has revealed to us, this surely is the way to blessing and the peace that He has promised to provide.
4) “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good things.” (Romans 10:15b)
Another way that we can enjoy the peace of God in our daily lives is to share the good news of salvation with others in our sphere of influence. There are persons all around us who need the Lord in their lives desperately. Living without God, and without hope is a very sad condition. We know the only One who can enlighten their darkness and bring lasting blessing and peace into their lives. Let us share “the good news of good things.” And see what the Lord can do.
Author - Dave Zwicker