The Path to Personal Peace

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3–5)

It is necessary to have the Spirit of God working in us because we are fighting principalities, authorities, powers, cosmic forces, and spiritual wickedness that seek to destroy us.

A battle rages for the control of our mind. We know that whoever or whatever controls our mind controls us. Paul and other Bible greats give us the answer so we can begin to experience “…triumph in Christ… and the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

It takes mental discipline and practice to experience inner peace.

First, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to control our mind to focus it properly:

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:6, NLT)

Note also, “You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, HCSB)

Second, we need to bring every thought into captive obedience to Christ, as noted in today’s key verse.

Third, we see must memorize and meditate on the Word of God: “Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart.” (Job 22:22, NKJV)

Without the Word our mind does not have the “food” and “life” it needs for sowing to the Spirit.

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63, NKJV)

“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” (Psalm 119:50, ESV)

Fourth, we need the Lord to direct our heart toward him. Our flesh always gravitates toward focusing on the problem besetting us. But focusing on the problem provides no life; it only produces anxiety. Therefore, we need to ask God:

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5, ESV)

No wonder Job said he treasured God’s Word more than edible food!

David, another great man who faced a lot of tribulation, said he valued God’s Word more than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Jeremiah ate God’s Word so it could become his heart’s delight in the midst of tribulation.

All of us would do well to emulate these Bible greats.

Today, ask yourself:

Am I attempting to store God’s Word in my heart so the Spirit can give life and peace to my mortal body when I need it?