God’s Peace!

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 God’s Peace

May the Lord of peacehimself give you peace at all times and in every way. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Peace is a rare commodity in our tumultuous world. Many people would give almost anything in order to experience it. But so often, people look in the wrong places for peace. As Christians, we know the source of true peace is God.

Colossians 3:15–17 tells us, “Let the peace of Christrule in your hearts, since as members of one bodyyou were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christdwell among you richlyas you teach and admonish one another with all wisdomthrough psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanksto God the Father through him” (emphasis added).

Experiencing God’s peace is a choice. We are to let the peace of God rule in our hearts. This is accomplished by being thankful and storing up the Word of God in our hearts so our minds can dwell on him and not on our problems. Our minds are key. Whatever controls our minds controls us. Our minds dictate what behaviors we will have. Romans 8:6 says, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is lifeand peace.” And the words of the prophet Isaiah exhort us: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trustin you” (Isaiah 26:3).

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to control how we think, feel, and act. Asking the Spirit to control our minds is a discipline. It takes practice to focus on the source of peace and not the particular matter that is troublesome to us at any given time. Scripture tells us how to tap into the peace God: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Peace flows with the life that is in harmony with the will of God. As we practice these formulas to God’s peace, we will find that where worry and anxiety abounded, the peace of Christ will more abound more as we fix our minds on him and trust in him to navigate us through our problems.

Today, ask yourself:

In what ways am I focusing too much on the problems at hand rather than focusing my mind on the source of peace, the Lord Jesus Christ?

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