Peace

Psalm 34:14
"Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it."

This fact that we have to seek peace, means it doesn't come naturally. Sometimes we only see the opposite of peace in this world and it's normal to be troubled by that. But this verse makes another important point. It's insinuating that you can't have much peace when you're regularly giving in to sin. With all the guilt, the fear of being found out, and constantly being reminded of your sin, it's hard to have any peace. But there's a huge difference when you turn from sin, and fill your life with God.

1 Corinthians 14:33
"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace." 

If we let Him cleanse away the sin that's been confusing us and stealing our peace and joy, we will be so much better off. Our lives will be much more fulfilled when we can live free of all the sin and guilt.

Psalm 119:165
"Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble."

If we're in tune with God and know His Word, it's so much easier to avoid temptation, doubt, and worry, leading to more peace-filled lives.

On the other hand, those without God are going to constantly be worried, confused, and afraid as Isaiah 59:8 points out: "The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths;they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace."

Doesn't sound like a very good way to live. I have no idea how anybody really makes it without God. God is still there for them, even though they don't know it, sometimes helping them, even if they don't ask. But without God to turn to for peace in the middle of all the craziness of life, I know I'd be pretty miserable.


So how do we go about getting peace?

Ephesians 2:14 "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."

Jesus is our peace. It's not something we can work up in ourselves. Because peace through difficult situations isn't a natural thing. It's totally of God. As it talks about in this verse, Jesus made peace between us and God. His death made us one with God, breaking the barrier between us, so we can have direct access to God.

Isaiah 53:5
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Jesus' death was the only thing that could give us total peace with God. Before Jesus, they had to constantly sacrifice animals to cleanse them of sin, and they always had to worry about whether they were doing right. That's not to say, we don't need to think of that now, but Jesus' sacrifice paid the debt once and for all so we don't need to be afraid that we'll forget to ask forgiveness for a sin like they were probably afraid they might forget a sacrifice.

Romans 5:1
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Again, it's Jesus giving us peace. The point is, we can't do it on our own. It's Christ in us. It's letting Him take control, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. That's when we can experience peace.

Psalm 4:8
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Anyone ever stay up at night worrying about life? Thinking of the future and all that could go wrong? This verse says you don't need to do that. You don't need to fear what could happen during the night, or be afraid of the unknown in our future. Instead, think about the times God has been there for you. Think about His promises. And don't worry about all the things that could possibly go wrong. Have faith that God is in control. That doesn't mean you ignore your problems. Maybe you're going through some real things that are threatening to leave you with no peace, just anxiety. Thinking about good things won't take any of that away. But it's dangerous to get focused on the unknown and the bad. Talk about it with people you trust, pray about it, and ask God to give you peace. Then let go of all the worry. You'll know if and when God gives you peace because it will be completely beyond understanding.

Philippians 4:6, 7
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."


JPK