The peace that God offers to believers is unlike any peace or quietness that is searched for in the world, through friends or relationships, places, money, success, or material things. God’s peace is available to us when we exchange our cares and worries for His plan and purpose.
There is so much “noise” in our world today- politically, within our communities and families, in our workplaces, and even within ourselves and there is only one remedy: the peace of Jesus Christ himself.
God is peace and He desires for us to live and operate in His peace which can only happen when we exchange our cares and worries for His plan & purpose. This is a daily choice we each have to make.
Philippians 4:6-7 reads, “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.”
There is a process to receiving the peace of God and it is something we have to be willing to accept.
First we have to pray (or talk to God) about how we feel and what’s going on. And we need to do this with a thankful heart/mindset. We don’t have to be thankful for the situation (because we may not be experiencing something positive or joyful) however, we have to approach God with an open heart. This communing is the first step to receiving God’s divine peace.
The next step is to maintain the peace of God or allow His peace to sustain us as we endure whatever situation we encounter.
Philippians 4:8-9 reads, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
After we pray to God, thankfully approach him and then share with him our requests and what’s on our hearts (this is how we give him our worries and concerns, we literally surrender them to him) we then have to stop focusing our thoughts on what’s going on (our problems, circumstances, etc.) and think or focus on these things that the scripture references. Instead of worrying how the situation will work out, focus on God’s truth and the promises He has given. When our minds wander back to the negative, we need to redirect our thoughts and think about things that are pure, lovely, & praiseworthy.
This process of choosing to replace our thoughts of worry, defeat, negativity, etc. with the things of God will not only bless us with the peace of God, but will actually give us joy as well.
Living for God is wonderful and everyday we learn more about who He is and who we are becoming. The love of God is unconditional and His peace is available to us if we choose to accept it. God is peace and He desires for us to abide in Him.
His peace literally keeps us through our darkest moments and is what carries us through to victory. His peace will sustain us as well if we choose to trust Him and exchange our thoughts and ways for His will. He loves us more than we can ever imagine and will never leave us alone. Will you trust Him today?
Father, we thank you for your peace that surpasses all of our understanding. There are times when we go through the unimaginable but we can be confident that you are right there with us in the midst of it all. Thank you for teaching us your ways and for helping us come to you with open hearts and minds. Please continue to bless us with your peace as we give you our worries. You are holy, powerful, and able. We love you!
Amen ♥️