Peace is, according to Webster,
“freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.” This is such a great
reminder that we all long for peace in our lives, not oppression. We want our
souls to be quieted from all the noise and disruptions going on around us. Happily, God offers us
that peace.
Isaiah 26:3 reminds us we will find peace because we trust in God: “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.”Psalm 4:8 blesses me as I read: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.”Philippians 1:2 shows us that Paul wants his readers to know God is the sender of peace: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Of course we all crave peace. We pray for sweet peace
before we lay our heads on our pillows at night, and are tired of tears slipping
down our faces. We honestly want the overflowing of the peace of God’s Spirit to
fill our hearts.
But how?
It’s by putting all of our trust in the Lord, not in
the situations we are going through. It’s
by leaning on Him with all of our being. And letting Him direct our paths that
will lead to perfect peace within.
Galatians 5:22-23 talks about peace being one of the
fruits of the spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Remember, peace as a fruit is the characteristic of our internal trust
in God. It can also carry over into our external countenance that can bring others peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds me that “Do not be anxious
about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” I
love all of these verses, but seem to gravitate towards this last one, knowing
that God’s peace will guard my heart in a way I don’t really understand except
that I put my trust in Him and Him alone.
What better peace can we experience
than that of the peace of God? It is the only peace that will stand up against
time.
I choose peace!
Becky Capps
Encourager
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