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A question arose on social media regarding how to have peace in our lives. It's interesting how we understand peace, and how we find it.
Answers... just a few clicks away.
You can do a search on the internet for 'how to have peace' and the self-help articles are numerous. Some have 12 steps to complete (such as waking up every morning and reciting your positive mantra, connecting with your inner self, breathing deeply and slowly, letting go of toxic people in your life, creating boundaries, and the list goes on and on.) Others share personal experiences in how they are living the peaceful life and what changes they've made in order to obtain it.
I'm sure we have all set out to gain peace in our lives one way or another. And while all of these suggestions appeal to us as creatures who are inclined to roll-up-our-sleeves and make our dreams and desires a reality, can our best efforts really achieve a true, lasting peace?
What is peace?
According to Miriam Webster, peace is:
a state of tranquility or quiet
a state of security or order provided by law or custom
freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
harmony in personal relations
I don't know about you, but that sounds heavenly to me! Problem is, I have never been able to experience this, at least not all of it, all the time. Sure, I might have a moment, or day, or even a season when life seems to be peaceful. I mean, who doesn't feel that way when they hold their newborn grandchild in their arms for the first time?
Is peace really something we can do in 12 steps, or by rolling-up-our-sleeves and making it happen? Who better to ask than the Prince of Peace Himself!
What does the Bible say about peace?
Before we dive in, James 1:17 tells us that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights." All things good come from the Father, peace is definitely one of those good and perfect gifts!
Isaiah 9:6 is prophecy we hear read at Christmas time:
"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."
JESUS is this Prince of Peace! He IS peace! He came that we could have peace with the Father. Our sin separated us from the Father. Try as we might, there was nothing we could do to make that relationship right again. He sent Jesus into the world, to suffer in our place... to take on the punishment that should have been ours... Because He loves us, and wanted to reconcile us to Himself, that our hearts would no longer be troubled, but would be at peace.
Isaiah 26:3 also tells us:
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."
Our mind is 'stayed on Him' when we are in His Word, when we meditate on His Truth, when we go about our lives, recognizing the wonder and goodness of who He is and what He has done for us, when we attend church and hear His Word preached and are in community with the saints in our congregations.
And what does the Prince of Peace tell us in John 14:25:27?
"These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 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."
Does peace really mean a state of tranquility or security; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relationships?
According to Jesus, the answer is NO!
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Having peace doesn't mean being free from pain, grief, struggles, sadness... Jesus said we WILL have troubles. He doesn't promise that all of our struggles will be gone in this world, but He does promise that He will give us His peace as we trust Him despite our trials. Peace is not the absence of troubles, but the presence of Christ in the midst of that trouble. Just as Jesus overcame the world, we too also will overcome all of our struggles.... not necessarily in this world, but ultimately when we live with Jesus in eternity. The struggles we have here are momentary... but the peace we have in Christ is eternal!
In answer to our original question, is there a secret to having peace, NO! There is no secret! Jesus tells us exactly how we receive it! HE leaves it with us; HE gives it to us! No rolling up our sleeves, no 12 step programs, no effort, no work and event greater... NO FAILING!!! Peace begins and ends in HIM!!!
Paul urges us in Philippians 4:6-8:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Come before the Lord with your prayers; He is always listening. Give Him thanks and praise; He loves to hear it! Expect that He will provide peace that will be far beyond your understanding!
Sisters, stop striving for peace, and instead, rest in the arms of the One who IS peace! Our Lord and our Savior!!
Up Next -- 10 Healthy Mindsets You Need Right Now
