Where are You Searching for Peace?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

Hello sweet friends.  Are you searching for peace today?  Where are you searching for peace?  There is only one place where you will truly find enduring peace and that is in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  People look in many places and at many things for peace and contentment in their lives.  They may seek peace and contentment in their careers, relationships, hobbies, material possessions, money, ect.  I will say again, true peace and contentment is found only in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Many define peace as the absence of conflict and chaos in their lives. But true peace is defined as confident assurance, in any situation and circumstance, because of the presence of Jesus Christ in your life.  You and I are blessed to have the indwelling Holy Spirit to provide us with deep and lasting peace.  I encourage you to prayerfully search your heart to determine where you are seeking to find your peace and contentment. 

Priscilla Shirer states in her Bible Study, Discerning the Voice of God, “Christ desires for His peace to govern internally and externally.  The Holy Spirit lives within us to give us a continual peaceful assurance internally, that directs us to make decisions that honor the Lord and guides our relationships with others.”  So I ask you today, is peace governing internally and externally in your life?  The closer walk we have with our LORD, the more we will experience the governing of His peace in our lives.  God reveals to us in His Word that we should let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were call to peace.  And be thankful – Colossians 3:15.  Surrender to Christ and let His peace rule in your heart.

 God will often have a personal word for us.  Remember, He has a plan and purpose for our lives and His ways are best. So how do we detect His will?   When our Lord delivers a personal word to us concerning His direction for our lives, it will be accompanied by His assurance and peace.  Often we will feel ill-equipped to do what God is calling us to do, but He will provide the power and strength for us to carry out His calling.  So even though you may feel ill-equipped, if the Lord has provided you with His peace and assurance, step forward and be obedient to His calling. 

Our Lord is Jehovah Shalom – the God of Peace.  The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace – Psalm 29:11.  God graciously blesses us with His peace to demonstrate his supernatural activity as we journey through life.  Those that have no personal relationship with Christ notice when the peace of Christ is exhibited in a believer’s life, especially when the circumstance of life are difficult for the believer. Christ reveals to us in His Word that we will experience difficult times but His peace is there for us.  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world – John 16:33.  Only by the grace of God are we able to experience this peace from our Savior and LORD.  Devote yourself to Christ and His will and ways and He will wash over you with peace even in the mist of chaos.  You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal – Isaiah 26:3-4.

Today, take your worries and concerns to the LORD in prayer.  The peace the world gives is far different than the peace our Savior and LORD gives.  True peace comes when we trust that our God is in complete control.  Our destiny is secure and we can live victoriously in this sin filled world because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  Allow the peace of God to guard your heart and mind.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:7.

Dear Heavenly Father…..Help us to acknowledge that true peace is found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Thank you for the peace that you so freely give to us, your children.  Father help us to stop looking and searching for contentment and peace in other people and things.  Lord help us to live our lives so that others see the peace that you provide, no matter the circumstances or situations we may be facing.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.