God promises to give us peace. God promises to give us His own peace, which has to be the most amazing peace of all.
“Peace I leave with you; I give you my peace. I do not give as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Peace is one of the things we often feel great need for. When we are afraid, or agitated, anxious or uncertain we dearly wish for peace and to put those things aside. Fear not only takes away our peace but it torments us.
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love expels fear, because fear has torment. He who is afraid is not made perfect in love.” 1John 4:18
The world can give us peace, such as by ‘getting away from it all’ or cutting off the source of pressure or disturbance. We can even quell our concerns with intoxication or sedation. These are the ways the world can give peace, but God says He gives peace differently to the way the world does.
One of the keys to God’s supply of peace is that God resolves the crisis.
Through Christ’s victory over Satan, Sin and Death we have nothing to fear and nothing that can overpower us.
“I tell you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” John 16:33
“If God is for us who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Those things that were a source of conflict have been dealt with by Christ, so we can have peace with others, because that which divides is removed.
“Christ himself is our peace, who joined the two into one and broke down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees.” Ephesians 2:14,15
Another key to us having peace from God is that Christ carried on Himself all that agitates us. Christ interceded for us, meaning He took on His shoulders the load that should have fallen on ours. Christ took on Himself those things that would otherwise give us reason for concern.
“He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement (and disturbance) of our peace was placed on him; and with his whip lashes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
We can now draw on God’s peace, since it is given so completely, by the removal of all that could make us afraid, and by Christ carrying on Himself what would otherwise disturb us. However we need to give room for God’s peace, by putting aside our fear and agitation.
“Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather be afraid of him who can destroy soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
Peace is one of those things we receive from God, including in an active sense. Some times we will have God’s peace settled on us and not even think we need to be agitated. At other times we may come under the enemy’s attack of fear and agitation. Or we may suddenly be confronted with a disturbing situation that throws us off balance. Those are the times to consciously and intentionally draw on the peace that comes from God.
That’s the time to put off fear and trust God’s promises and God’s provision through Christ.
When news came that the daughter of Jairus had died Jesus told him not to be afraid but to hold on to his faith.
“Overhearing what they said to Jairus, Jesus said to him, Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36
We can take control of our fears and those things that agitate us, casting our cares onto God and determining to put our confidence in Him. King David did this.
“When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise. In God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:3,4
“Why are you agitated, O my soul? Why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I will still praise Him for the help of His presence.” Psalm 42:5
As we learn to live in reliance on God and drawing from His peace we can allow God’s peace to be the umpire and source of confirmation in our lives.
“Let the peace of Christ rule (be the executive decision maker) in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
So, rather than being controlled by agitation, fear, anxieties and worries, we are to be ruled by God’s peace in our hearts.
Practically that means that when we have fear, anxiety or agitation, or when you are tormented by things that steal your peace, you can speak to your heart and remind yourself that God has everything under control. Remind yourself that God loves you and God’s perfect love casts out fear. Remind yourself that all of God’s promises are confirmed in Christ and made available through Him. Remind yourself that the really big things to fear, such as eternal judgement, are in God’s hands, not the hands of those making you feel afraid. Remind yourself that you can resist the devil and he will flee from you. Then ask God to release His peace within you.
If you are making a decision and you find that the choice you are heading to makes you feel disturbed then ask God to confirm if that is not the choice He has for you. That may be the removal of peace, so you get a signal not to proceed.
And in all your working through of these issues remember God’s promise: My Peace I Give You.
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