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All scriptures are taken from NKJV unless otherwise marked.
Peace
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
-Colossians 3:15 NLT
The world would be such a better place if we all lived at peace with one another. Could you imagine? It’d be like the movies where all the neighbors get along and know each other by name. People would share with others and love would spread. We’d have more friends than enemies and I believe the world itself would be a brighter place.
Unfortunately, the sad truth is our world is not currently in that state. Certain neighborhoods are cluttered with crime and hatred. I don’t understand what causes someone to murder a person. Now a days, there’s articles of parents killing their own child. If a person could do that to their own offspring, what would they be willing to do to a random human in their way?
Although we can’t change the entire world, we can start with the person in the mirror. The Bible teaches us to be the light of this world. Let’s learn how to become part of the solution.
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
-Isaiah 9:6
King Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace. Isn’t the goal of the church to be Christ-like? If our King decided to rule in peace, then we should serve in peace. Let the peace of God overcome you and overflow to affect all those who pass by you.
Seek it
According to the 1828 Webster’s dictionary, the term ‘seek peace’ is to “to endeavor to promote it; or to practice it.” The Word tells us to seek peace and pursue it (see 1 Peter 3:11). The same dictionary translates the word pursue into, “To follow with a view to overtake; to follow with haste; to chase”. There’s no way to passively obtain peace. In order to receive this great virtue, we must earnestly desire it and be willing to sacrifice for it.
Find out what the Bible has to say about peace. (Most have a concordance you can use or of course you could do some googling.) Ask God for wisdom on the subject. There may be some huge factors hindering peace from flowing through you and only time with God can reveal that.
Cast Your Cares
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for You.”
-1 Peter 5:6-7
Once we have a personal relationship with Christ, we will never be alone. He yearns for a partnership with us. You absolutely do not need to go through life alone. God will strengthen you when you are weak. He will pick you up when you fall. He will encourage you when discouragement hits so hard you don’t want to continue to try. When you find yourself in the fire, He will remain beside you. Your enemies can come like hungry lions, but He will refuse them a meal by closing their mouth. God’s not dead!
The word ‘cast’ in the 1828 Webster’s dictionary (my favorite dictionary, btw) is described as, “To throw, fling or send; that is, to drive from, by force, as from the hand, or from an engine.” We are to literally fling our cares on God and let Him handle them. He promises that He has a marvelous, prosperous plans for us (see Jeremiah 29:11). It’s the Lord’s job to take care of us and all our needs.
Firmly hole onto your peace while He is working. Be confident in faith and know that He will work all things together for your good. Remove any doubt from your mind and trust in Him wholeheartedly.
Ask For It
“The Lord will give strength to His people;
The Lord will bless His people with peace”
-Psalms 29:11
Wise people learn to request their desires from the Lord. He promises that if you delight in Him, He’ll give you the desires of your heart (see Psalm 37:4). Jesus gave His own personal peace to the believers. Why would you think He would withhold His peace from you? On the contrary, in Psalm 85:8 He promises peace to His people. However, the bible also states that whose ask shall receive and those who seek shall find. Maybe you have not because you ask not?
Go somewhere alone (even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom for a few minutes) and pray. First, cast your cares on the Lord. Then, ask Him to pour His peace over you until it overflows. Stay there until you soak it in. Tell Him all your troubles and struggles. Bring the scripture to Him. Say, “Your Word says you will give peace to your people and you’re not a liar. I really need peace Lord. I believe in you and trust in you to fix my situation.”
Fix Your Eyes On The Lord
In the midst of suffering, it’s difficult to take our minds off of ourselves. All we can think about is all this pain that we’re experiencing. But when problems occur, it’s vital to continue meditating on scripture. Remember when the Lord answered your prayer and you were constantly worshiping, praising, and praying? The key is to remain in that state when difficulty hits.
Also, do you remember when crisis struck and you were seeking God like your life depended on it? (Maybe it did.) Continue to seek God and pray to Him when things are going smoothly and the crisis may be avoided. In strife and in peace, God is the answer.
When David went to fight Goliath, He immediately ran up to the battle line prophesying. “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of armies of Israel, whom you have defiled. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. (1 Samuel 17:45-46)”
Think of how easy it would’ve been for David to fall into the trap of crippling fear. Yet, he decided to put all His trust in the Lord. When you’ve got the right focus of the Lord, the giant appears as an ant. This is the secret to remaining confident and full of peace during the most dangerous circumstances: Rely on God with all of your heart.
Shut The Door On Stress And Frustration
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
-John 14:27
The next time a troubling circumstance presents itself to you, drive the devil mad and laugh. Don’t allow him to steal your joy or your peace. See it as a test (because it might be). Say “NOPE!” (#NotTodaySatan)
My brother once told me about this horrible day he had. Everything that could go wrong did. Then, he came home to find out his daughter tried flushing his Wii U Gamepad down the toilet. He paused… and began to laugh hysterically. His wife thought he had lost a few marbles. (My bro is a big gamer.) He explained that the devil was trying all he could to ruin his day. He refused to allow that to get him upset. After a few intense prayers, the gamepad was working again! God prevails!
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
-Phillippians 4:6-7
I pray that these tips will help you to grow in the spiritual fruit of peace. Remaining in constant peace is challenging, but is way worth the discipline. We can make the world a better place one person at a time by loving one another and respecting each other with peace. What are some ways you tap into your inner peace?
“Now may the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
-Romans 15:13
