"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 transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
Everyone seems to be proclaiming "peace" nowadays. Peace among nations, peace among friends - peace as a salutation, or even as a fun sign to throw up in a picture. This isn't a bad thing! Peace is always something to be admired.
Consider this with me for a moment: this doctrine of peace is seemingly entrenched in our society; yet in the places where it matters most, like in our hearts and minds, peace seems to be... missing.
What is it that makes peace so valuable? In a world where our lips proclaim it but our lives echo the opposite, what is it that makes peace so desirable? We do our best to cultivate it in our own efforts, yet this synthetic peace we've conjured up seems to disintegrate as the pressures of life increase - leaving us longing for more.
Amidst the cacophony of noise, turbulence and disruption daily life breeds, the prospect of peace is always alluring... yet it seems so out of reach.
But it doesn't have to be -- especially for you, Christian.
As children of God, we derive multiple benefits from our relationship with Him including (but not limited to) peace with God, and the peace of God.
Because God radiates peace, as in peace is His essence, we're bound to experience peace in His perfect presence. This encapsulates peace with God. By simply being near Him, we can extract the splendid peace we so long for amidst confusion.
Furthermore, God offers a peace distinct from our cultural understanding of peace. His peace reverberates in our souls, bridging chasms of calamity with His unending serenity. This is the peace of God.
Simply defined, peace is an inner tranquility that cannot be shaken by external circumstances. Too many Christians believe that peace is found externally --in our habits, in our relationships, in our securities-- but true, authentic peace indwells you as a believer and emanates from your being.
This internal tranquility is what makes the peace of God so peculiar. Despite hardships and storms, how is it that anyone can maintain composure? Peace, when you allow it to manifest internally, has no choice but to flow from inside of you, influencing your external atmosphere! And here's the best part: this peculiar peace of God causes others to notice - and they will inquire of the source.
Okay: you're aware that as a Christian, this peculiar peace is your inheritance. You're aware that peace indwells you, and that you have access to it at anytime... now, how do you tap into it?
Isaiah 26:3-4 reads:
"The mind he keeps in perfect peace is the one that is stayed on Him, because it trusts in Him. Since the Lord God is an everlasting rock, we can trust in Him forever."
This scripture reveals that the peculiar, perfect peace of God is not momentary or elusive in nature. Our minds have the ability to stay [dwell, meditate on, remain] in His peace - and this ability is unlocked through trusting in the Lord.
Trust in God is cultivated by knowing who He is and what His heart is towards you. I love how the verse states, "Since the Lord God is an everlasting rock, we can trust in Him forever." God's identity enables us to trust Him because He will never fail us. And when we trust God, we can experience the peculiar peace He has freely given to you and me.
You can also access this dimension of peace through gratitude. Read that again. Gratitude is one of the most fundamental attributes linked to the peace of God. An ungrateful heart will be riddled with anxiety and commotion. But a grateful heart makes room for God's peace to drive away trouble.
As our verse of the week states, "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known. And the peace of God ... will guard you hearts and minds" bingo! Gratitude is the key!
No matter what the climate of your life feels like, we can trust God's good and perfect plans for us. This trust breeds gratitude, and gratitude is the key that unlocks the door, allowing peace to flood your heart and mind.
It is well with you, it is well with your soul.
Here's a prayer for you this week:
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of peace you've so freely given me. May I, as your child, have a peculiar peace that draws people in to discover the source, a peace that puts others at ease in my presence so they can experience the working of your Holy Spirit through me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Thanks for reading! Reflect:
In what ways can you tap into the dimension of peace this week?
Song of the week: "Prince of Peace" by Hillsong United
Crystal ❤️
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