God’s peace is more valuable than we often think. It is the assurance of being in union with God; in sync and harmony with God’s Spirit. It brings true joy and a settling inside that brings hope of the realization and fulfillment of God’s promises. The apostle Paul encouraged believers to find and walk in such peace.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
RELEVANCE
We strive to make peace with people, for peace brings the benefits of unity; the ability of being able to accomplish goals. How much more relevant is being at peace with God! His purposes are always greater than we can fathom. More than obtaining the peace of God, we get to know the God of peace.
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:6-9)
I believe the key here is “meditate on these things.” In preparing the children of Israel to cross over into the Promised Land, Joshua also encouraged the people to maintain a posture of meditating on God’s words, promises and faithfulness. With all the distractions and pulls of the world we face daily, keeping God’s words and principles on the forefront of your mind helps you resist such forces and provides strength to propel you forward. One thing the Lord has trained me to trust in is, there is grace at God’s pace!
REFLECT AND RELATE
As you make decisions, consider the benefits of waiting on God for His peace; and opportunity cost—or vales lost—for moving ahead of His peace.
Think of times you acted before coming to a peace with God. What were the results?
REFERENCES
1 Thessalonians 5:23