The Peace of God
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Today’s Morsel: I am sure you, like me, have heard people request during prayer for the peace of God during their decisions and situation. How would you describe the peace of God? Do you know what you are asking for when you pray for peace for yourself or for God’s peace for others? If peace is a state of tranquility, calmness, and serenity in God, how do we gain it or lose it? Isn’t God’s peace a by-product of His Spirit (Galatians 5:22)? If we are not careful, sometimes we may pray for something that we already have. As Paul admonished Timothy: “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6) Peace is an inner state of ones being. Peace is built on the foundation of one’s spiritual practices such as compassion, ethics, unity, and forgiveness. When these things are missing, peace is missing also. Notice what Paul says we must do to maintain Gods peace. He said, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Don’t be wearied about things but pray and let God work on your behalf. Isaiah also gives us understanding for maintaining God’s peace in our lives: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3) Notice, keep our minds on Jesus will keep us in God’s peace. And Jeremiah enlightens us on Gods peace:“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:7)You seek God for it. And the Lord Himself give us an understanding of maintaining His Peace: “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16) Notice, ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. When the Lord speaks of peace, He is often speaking of rest, quiet and stillness in our hearts. The Holy Ghost ought to keep you in a state of serenity. Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) Peace doesn’t mean the absence of trouble. It means that it will keep you calm and still even in the midst of trouble.
Sing: I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul. I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
Thought For Today: “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17)
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