I had gone through a season in my life where it seemed the things I thought I so much needed were being taken away from me. This caused me to worry too much. Worrying only helped give me headaches caused by stress and also strained my relationship with other people around me because I found myself envying others who seemed to have the things I wished I had. Thank God for his Grace, He sent someone to talk to me about persevering in trial through spending more time in prayer, praise and the word. I became intentional about meditating on God’s word, prayer and praising Him despite the situation. After a while I noticed something had changed. During this season, I learned to trust God’s word and I noticed my heart was not troubled the way it used to be. I believe I had started experiencing the peace of God and it is something too amazing. Sometimes the worries would try to fill my mind but I have to trust God’s word, like Philippians 4:6-7 which says “Don’t worry about anything; instead , pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ.”
Despite the troubles in the world today, you can live in peace. BUT HOW?
- Peace with God through Jesus Christ
Acts 10:34-36
“Then Peter replied,” I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel- that there is PEACE with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord.”
God does not show any favoritism. God’s hands are always open to all who come to Him by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, fearing God and doing what is right with the help of the Holy Spirit. Believing in Jesus Christ, remaining in Him and abiding in God’s word is the first huge step towards experiences this PEACE. Abiding in the word of God helps us grow in faith and when we grow in faith, we learn to trust God’s word. Jesus Christ acknowledged that in the world we would have trials and sorrows, but He tells us that He has already overcome them (John 16:33).
- Pursue Peace with others.
Hebrews 12: 14a
“Work at living in peace with everyone…”
It is true that the Peace of God is the fruit of the Holy Spirit produced in us as we remain in Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, when we experience this gift of peace from Jesus Christ, we need to work hard to be at peace with others. When a baby is hungry, she usually cries and the noise from the screams is discomforting especially to her mother. Once the mother gives the baby her food, the baby keeps quiet and the mother too is relieved from the screaming by the baby. When you strive to be at peace with others, it is also helps you to be at peace. Being at peace with others comes with the help of the Holy Spirit (through the fruits in us like love, self-control etc). Notwithstanding, handwork is essential to ensure living at peace with others . For instance, I love my father and I live about six hours drive away from Him. Recently I don’t get to see him often but one thing I know is that he appreciates when I call by phone and talk with him. Calling people often is something I don’t usually do but because I love my father and I know when I don’t call he can get angry, I have to work hard on my “calling-attitude” so that the peaceful relationship we enjoy can keep flowing.
- Be at Peace with yourself
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Finding peace with yourself entails redirecting your focus from the troubles and worries of this life to focusing on God. Peace of mind and heart is a gift to us from Jesus Christ and this kind of Peace the World cannot give. So we don’t need to be troubled (John 14:27), rather trust God for He will keep you in perfect peace.
THERE IS PEACE IN GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!