We go through seasons in our lives. Seasons of war and peace, seasons of hardship and seasons of plenty. We grow old through these seasons.”
–Robert Peecher (The Glorieta Grudge)
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
–Romans 15:23(NKJV)
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Peace–not really a strange word, but often greatly misunderstood. People clamor for peace, but do not understand that true peace only comes from God. Jesus, when He was in the boat sleeping in the midst of the storm, had peace. His disciples were torn within themselves thinking they were going to die. E.F. Harrison states that peace is, “freedom from strife whether external or internal, or security from outward enemies as well as calm of heart.”
As Christians, God’s children, we are promised peace. Peace in the midst of the storms of life. Peace when the battles are raging. Peace when there is suffering and sorrow. This peace comes from God.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7, NKJV
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” –John 14:27, NKJV
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Romans 5:1, NKJV)
When we are born again, when we become Christians we are now at peace with God. This is the greatest peace. We are no longer His enemy. Donald Gee wrote, “conversion means the laying down of the arms of rebellion and warfare with God, but there is often quite a time before the whole being comes under the influence of His peace.” See, peace is supernatural and a part of the Fruit of the Spirit, and therefore, it must grow. It takes time. Yes, we have peace with God, but we often find turmoil within ourselves.
There is a fierce battle raging and it is in the mind. If we find we are not at peace most likely it is because of our thoughts, what we are focusing on. “The interests of the flesh mean death, but the interests of the Spirit mean life and peace.” (Romans 8:6, Moffat). We read in Isaiah, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (26:3, NKJV) “Interests”, “stayed” are some key words. Where is our heart? If it is not at peace most likely it is not stayed upon God and has turned its focus upon the things of earth. “If we let our minds become filled with worldly things we must not be surprised if we lose the peace of God.” (Donald Gee)
God and His Word are the keys. The verse in Philippians 4:7, uses the term “guard”. God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds. Possibly a better term might be “garrison.” God’s peace will be like a garrison of soldiers around you bringing peace to your heart and mind. We must come to love the Word of God in a practical way. “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” (Psalm 119:165, NKJV) To understand and love the Word of the Lord is to have peace that will keep us from tripping up and being swayed by the world.
“God’s abiding peace is in my soul today,
Yes, I feel it now, yes, I feel it now;
He has taken all my doubts and fears away,
Tho’ I cannot tell you how.
It is mine, mine, blessed be His name!
He has given peace, perfect peace to me;
It is mine, mine, blessed be His name!
Mine for all eternity!”
–Elisha A. Hoffman
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
–Romans 15:23(NKJV)
——————————————
Peace–not really a strange word, but often greatly misunderstood. People clamor for peace, but do not understand that true peace only comes from God. Jesus, when He was in the boat sleeping in the midst of the storm, had peace. His disciples were torn within themselves thinking they were going to die. E.F. Harrison states that peace is, “freedom from strife whether external or internal, or security from outward enemies as well as calm of heart.”
As Christians, God’s children, we are promised peace. Peace in the midst of the storms of life. Peace when the battles are raging. Peace when there is suffering and sorrow. This peace comes from God.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7, NKJV
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” –John 14:27, NKJV
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Romans 5:1, NKJV)
When we are born again, when we become Christians we are now at peace with God. This is the greatest peace. We are no longer His enemy. Donald Gee wrote, “conversion means the laying down of the arms of rebellion and warfare with God, but there is often quite a time before the whole being comes under the influence of His peace.” See, peace is supernatural and a part of the Fruit of the Spirit, and therefore, it must grow. It takes time. Yes, we have peace with God, but we often find turmoil within ourselves.
There is a fierce battle raging and it is in the mind. If we find we are not at peace most likely it is because of our thoughts, what we are focusing on. “The interests of the flesh mean death, but the interests of the Spirit mean life and peace.” (Romans 8:6, Moffat). We read in Isaiah, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (26:3, NKJV) “Interests”, “stayed” are some key words. Where is our heart? If it is not at peace most likely it is not stayed upon God and has turned its focus upon the things of earth. “If we let our minds become filled with worldly things we must not be surprised if we lose the peace of God.” (Donald Gee)
God and His Word are the keys. The verse in Philippians 4:7, uses the term “guard”. God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds. Possibly a better term might be “garrison.” God’s peace will be like a garrison of soldiers around you bringing peace to your heart and mind. We must come to love the Word of God in a practical way. “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” (Psalm 119:165, NKJV) To understand and love the Word of the Lord is to have peace that will keep us from tripping up and being swayed by the world.
“God’s abiding peace is in my soul today,
Yes, I feel it now, yes, I feel it now;
He has taken all my doubts and fears away,
Tho’ I cannot tell you how.
It is mine, mine, blessed be His name!
He has given peace, perfect peace to me;
It is mine, mine, blessed be His name!
Mine for all eternity!”
–Elisha A. Hoffman