In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, finding peace can seem like an exclusive pursuit.
But what if I told you that there’s a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that is available regardless of circumstances?
When we think of peace, we often think about a place in life where there is no conflict or turmoil. But biblical peace goes beyond any external tranquility we can find got ourselves. It’s a deep sense of calm and contentment that can only be found in a relationship with God.
There are key understandings that guide us in our journey to finding true peace.
- Trust God for Peace
Trusting God is essential for finding true peace. Isaiah 26:3 tells us the 1st key: keep your mind focused on God and trust in Him.
“You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord, is everlasting peace.”
When we trust in God, we can surrender our worries and fears to Him, knowing that He is in control. The act of surrender allows you to experience a deep sense of peace that surpasses human understanding. It’s a peace that brings comfort, reassurance, and a steadfast hope.
Trusting in God involves relying on His promises, His faithfulness, and His love. It means acknowledging that He knows what is best and His plans are good and purposeful.
When we are in the middle of difficult circumstances, when we choose to trust in God, He empowers our walk in resilience and serenity.
However, choosing to trust in God requires a shift in our perspective. It means shifting our focus from our problems and uncertainty to the One who holds all things together. As we anchor our trust in God, He invites His peace to rule in our hearts and minds, guiding our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Trusting in God brings peace in times of uncertainty, strength in times of adversity, hope in the face of challenges, rest for our weary souls, and assurance of His faithfulness.
I’m not saying trusting in God is easy, especially when our circumstances seem overwhelming. But, I’ve learned as I’ve strengthened my trust in Him through prayer, meditation in His Word, and relying on His Holy Spirit I’ve experienced the depths of His peace.
When we let trust become our foundation, we can build a life filled with tranquility and hope.
2. Jesus: The Giver of Lasting Peace
When it comes to peace, Jesus is the ultimate source. Unlike the temporary peace that the world gives us, Jesus offers a lasting transformative peace that can calm our troubled hearts and dispel fear. John 14:27 tells us that Jesus assures us of His gift of peace.
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, I give give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.”
To truly experience the peace that Jesus offers, we must first acknowledge Him as the source and surrender our worries and anxieties to Him. When we do we can find peace and rest.
Then it becomes a deep sense of well-being that originates from a relationship with Him.
3. The Gift of Peace: Jesus
We can fully embrace the gift of peace that Jesus offers us by trusting in Him and believing that His peace is available to us.
Releasing our worries and anxiety to Jesus gives a deep knowing that He really does care for us.
Praying for peace, when we engage in prayer, and seek God’s peace and asking Him to fill our hearts with His calming presence.
I have a strategy that I use when I start getting overwhelmed. It’s a simple exercise I do that I learned from a friend. Breath in, think of that breath as God’s light or peace being breathed in. And then when I exhale that breath I think about exhaling the stress of what I am overwhelmed by.
Mediating on scripture. Spend some time reading and reflecting on God’s Word. Allow His promises of peace to enter your mind and soul.
Practice gratitude. Some might think this is a small thing, but an attitude of gratitude goes a long way. Focus on your blessings in life rather than dwelling on negativity.
4. Pursuing Peace Through Action
Peace is not something that we accidentally stumble upon, it must be an intentional pursuit. In order to truly experience peace in our lives, we must actively seek it.
Psalm 34:14 gives us a guide in our pursuit of peace. It instructs us to “depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.”
When we choose to depart from evil, we distance ourselves from actions and behaviors that disrupt peace. By embracing goodness, we foster an environment of harmony and tranquility.
“If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive.”
But it doesn’t stop there. Peace requires an ongoing effort. We are encouraged to actively engage in actions that promote reconciliation, understanding, and unity.
Seeking peace through action involves fostering healthy relationships, resolving conflicts with love and forgiveness, and promoting justice and equality. It requires us to be peacemakers, to actively contribute to the well being of others and society as a whole.
Our actions have the power to seek peace and create a ripple effect that transcends borders and cultures.
I think one of the most effective ways to pursue peace is to lead by example. By embodying a few principles of peace on our own lives, we can become beacons of hope and inspiration of others.
By actively choosing peace and demonstrating it in our daily interactions, we can set the stage for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. Our actions and words have the power to heal wounds, bridge gaps, and cultivate a culture of peace.
5. The Fruit Of Peace
The peace in our lives as followers of Jesus is a result of the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. When we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, we open ourselves up to His transformative power, and one of the most beautiful fruits He produces in us is peace.
In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul writes about the fruits of the Holy Spirit including peace,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.”
The fruit of peace of the Holy Spirit means that as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, we experiment a deep sense of tranquility. This peace doesn’t come from our circumstances, but the presence of God Himself within us.
Jesus promised His disciples that He would give them His peace. A peace that is unlike anything the world can offer. This is the same peace that the Holy Spirit produces in us when we surrender our lives to Him.
The Holy Spirit’s work of cultivating peace in us involves transforming our hearts, minds, and attitudes. He helps us to let go of anxiety, fear, worry, and replaces them with His calming presence and the assurance of God’s faithfulness.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and produce the fruit of peace, we can experience a profound sense of well being, even in the middle of challenging circumstances. This peace enables us to face trials with confidence and to exhibit Christ like love and kindness to those around us.
From Pity to Praise 