The call for ‘world peace’ is a very old one. ‘Peace’ means different things to different people. Some people long for rest, silence, and a conflict and problem-free life. However, true peace inside and around us can never be found apart from the Prince of Peace.
The peace pursued by the world does give us some semblance of peace, but it is temporary and always depends on circumstances, e.g. your physical protection, health, financial security, etc. However, whenever any of these securities are threatened or removed, people’s lives fall apart. These everyday life necessities and securities, however wonderful they are, can never provide the deep inward peace that comes from a personal relationship with the Lord. How then do we embark on the journey of pursuing the peace of God that surpasses all understanding?
Reconciliation with God
For it pleased the Father that … by Him [Jesus] to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:19-20).
In our sinfulness we were all enemies of the holy God and far removed from Him. God took the first step in pursuing peace with us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to pay for the sins of all mankind through His substitutionary death on the cross. God’s peace now rests upon those who receive His Son by faith and since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus our Lord. Firstly therefore, surrender your life to the Lord.
Pray: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for offering Yourself as sacrifice for my sins so I could be reconciled to and have peace with my heavenly Father.
Fellowship with God
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 surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7).
It is in fellowship with God that we experience true peace. When we speak to Him and give Him our life’s circumstances, worries and concerns, thanking Him for all He has done and will still do, we can know His peace. This type of peace is not human but comes from God Himself and it guards and protects our hearts and minds even in difficult circumstances, like emotional pain, financial problems, health risks, etc.
Pray: Father, I make all my requests known to you. Thank you for hearing me, caring for me and giving me peace in my heart and mind.
Trust in God’s character
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3).
God makes it very clear that experiencing His peace and trusting in Him is closely related. Together with trusting God, we must also keep our focus on Him, and not allow our minds to be filled with worry about our problems and challenges. God’s character and attributes are evident throughout the Bible. We know that He is our Provider, Healer, Helper, Comforter, Wisdom, Counsellor, and our faithful and loving Father who makes all things work together for the good for those who love Him. Therefore, keep your focus on who God is and what He has done for you in the past. Let that strengthen your trust in Him in your circumstances every day.
Pray: Lord, I will focus my mind on You – Your character and attributes. Help me to trust You more.
Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22).
How desperately our world needs us to display the fruit of the Spirit! If we could show the world the peace that the Holy Spirit works in and through us it would make them see our Prince of Peace. For this to happen we have to yield to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We need God to reveal to us what He wants to change and we need the power of the Holy Spirit to change it. One way to purify our hearts is to meditate on the Word of God (spend quiet time with God). The Word of God is living and it breathes life into us. It allows us to see where our thoughts and our feelings fail to line up with God’s intention.
Pray: Holy Spirit, show me where I am straying from the Word and shutting You out. I want to yield to Your voice and leading, so that Your peace and every fruit of the Spirit will manifest in and through my life.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace
always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
(2 Thessalonians 3:16)
