What does peace mean to you?
When I think of peace I think of resting in that state of mind free from anxiety and distress. Isn't that something that we all long for? In this sometimes chaotic and often trial filled world we live in we desperately cry out for just a moments peace. Is there a way to actually live a peaceful life everyday, every moment of your life? I believe there is.
It starts with acknowledging that there is a Creator, God, who came in human form, Jesus, and gave His life for us so that we could be reconciled with Him now and for all eternity. Not only that, but He offers Himself through His Spirit to come and live within us bringing comfort and teaching us how to get rid of the things that are holding us back from walking in victory everyday while we're on earth. Knowing I'm not alone to figure things out brings me peace.
When I think of Jesus one big quality comes to my mind is Peace, He exuded peace. Even at the most difficult times in His life He demonstrated peace. Before Jesus was about to die we read about His prayer time with the Father.
Luke 22:42-44 (NKJ)
42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 When He rose up....
He knew that He was about to go through a most excruciating death yet He put His trust in His Father by surrendering His will for a Higher purpose, us!
In knowing there was a plan for what He had to go through He was able to let go of His own desire to have things different. After His surrender He was provided comfort through an angel who came and encouraged Him. He left His cares at the alter and got up to approach what ever came next.
God offers that same comfort to us, that peace as we surrender to His purpose in our daily lives.
Phil 4:6-7 (NKJ)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
How do we have peace in our everyday lives? How do we face those hardest challenges with confidence in knowing that there is a plan in what we are about to go through? Here are a few steps that might help.
1. Spend time getting to know Jesus; through His Word and under sound Biblical teaching
2. Spend time sitting at His feet before the busyness of the day even starts, if possible
3. Offer up all of the decisions and situations of the day to Him and thank Him in advance for the outcome
4. Choose to trust Him that there is a plan for everything in your life because you are His and He loves you.
5. Surrender your need to understand the reason for everything you are about to go through
6. Take a deep breath and receive in His peace
7. Move forward through your day
You may need to repeat these steps several times through out the day. Even as you are about to face your next decision, consciously give it over to Him and He will bring you His Peace.
The follower's walk with Christ is a faith walk and as we put our hope and trust in the One whom we have given control over of our lives we can have His Peace in every situation.
Receive Him now and receive His Peace.
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