As I sit here, ready to write this blog, I wonder how many people really know that they can live in peace. Many believe that living in chaos is perfectly normal. If they got into peace, it may shock them, and they would want to retreat back into chaos.
We live in a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty. You can see it on social media, in the news, in the workplace, in the government, and so forth. A couple of years ago, you started hearing words like woke, snowflake, and Karen (sorry if your name is Karen). These didn't come about for no reason, but it's because people's drama is so elevated these days.
I believe that once people experience true peace from God, they will want it and become addicted to it. They will demand to have it in their lives.
It is easy to become consumed by the world's worries and distractions, but by redirecting our focus to God and His promises, we can experience a life of peace that surpasses all understanding.
God Intends for Us to Be Living in Peace
Philippians 4:7 (NLT) — 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
God intends for us to live in peace that comes from Him through His Son, Jesus. This peace will guard our hearts and minds.
I remember years ago, sitting in front of my boss' desk right before Christmas. He told me that he would have to lay me off. I was at total peace, and it blew him away. He even asked me why I wasn't troubled. I shared with him that I live a life of peace in the Lord. It was funny because he was way more shaken about it than I was. I just knew inside that everything was going to be alright.
As the world rages around us, we can be at total peace. Not only will this benefit us, but we can also be a beacon of hope and a shining light in darkness to those around us. We can testify to them that Jesus is the way to peace.
We must do this by shifting our minds away from the distractions of the world and onto the things of God; we position ourselves to experience His peace.
Trusting in God's Promise of Peace
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) — 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that if we trust in God, He will keep us in perfect peace. Yet, some may question why they still struggle to find peace in their lives even though they believe they are trusting in God.
The key lies in surrendering our entire lives to Him and allowing Him to guide us. There is a phrase, "We gotta go whole hog." This means you are all in without reservation. The whole way in without limits. This is the way we must be with God! We have to surrender EVERYTHING!
When we completely trust in God and surrender all aspects of our lives to Him, we can experience a deep and lasting peace that surpasses all understanding. You can face storms and total opposition, all the while being in complete peace. I have stopped myself and been in such awe because of the peace I am operating in. GLORY!
You Gotta Be Addicted to It
I used to be borderline addicted to Coca-Cola. Like, I would literally walk to the refrigerator and get a glass. No more than an hour later, I would be back there getting more. I couldn't control myself. It was insanity how much I would drink a day. The more I got some, the more I wanted it. Today, I am free and don't even drink it.
My point is this: if we are going to be addicted to something, we should make it something positive. Personally, I am addicted to peace. I have to have it in my life. I actually teach and minister to people to follow peace in their lives. I believe that is how the Holy Spirit leads us 95% of the time.
Everyone wants peace in their life, but many are not willing to do what it takes to get it.
I am intentional about maintaining peace in my life by chasing God to develop intimacy with Him through prayer and reading His written Word. Also, making wise decisions in my daily life is critical. This includes being selective about the media I consume, the activities I engage in, and the company I keep.
By consciously choosing peace over chaos, I have found that my life is filled with greater joy, my relationship with my wife is more fulfilled, I can think more clearly, etc. The benefits far outweigh any other way of life.
We Must Endure By Being Intentional
Matthew 24:13 (NLT) — 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
I am using the scripture because it addresses something that we all must consider. Our walk with God isn't; we get saved, and now we coast to the end. The Bible uses the phrase "endures to the end." This requires calculated intentionality. We must consider our ways of living and how we are pursuing God. It 100% is not something we can rest our laurels on, meaning we stop putting effort into our walk with God.
The same goes for living a life of peace. You are not going to gain peace in God just by accident, and it is not going to fall into your lap. You must deliberately pursue peace. It must be done on purpose.
The key lies in keeping our thoughts fixed on God in every area of our lives. We will face trials or tribulations. As we do, we must navigate through them with a mindset focused on God's promises and His plans for us.
As we do this, we can walk in peace that sometimes won't even make sense, especially to those who don't know God. They will be dismayed and bewildered by how you can have peace in particular situations or circumstances in your life.
Seek the Kingdom of God
Matthew 6:31–34 (NLT) — 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Worry is detrimental to our well-being. We should not entertain it as it robs us of peace, which is God's intention for us.
Jesus told us not to worry about what we eat, drink, or our clothing. I believe it goes beyond that. It encompasses all areas of life. 1 Peter 5:7 says to "give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." Did you notice the word "ALL?" That is way more than food, drink, and clothing. It can be your career, finances, raising children, your marriage, the health of your aging parents, etc.
Jesus went on to encourage us to seek the Kingdom of God first. Seeking the Lord's Kingdom involves living righteously and aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with His will. When we prioritize God's kingdom, He promises to provide everything we need. There is no need to doubt this promise.
Numbers 23:19a says, "God is not a man, that he should lie." God's word and promises are true. He will NEVER fail you!
Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
1 John 2:6 (NLT) — 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
Jesus is the best example of how we can live a life of peace. By keeping our eyes on Him, learning His way of life, and doing so, it won't be long before you see yourself being transformed into an image of Him and living as He did.
To live like Jesus, we must do what Jesus did. This is the start of building a proper foundation for a life of peace. We must study the Word of God, maintain a life of prayer, attend church, and surround ourselves with fellow believers; we can deepen our relationship with God and keep our minds fixed on Him.
As I wrote earlier, living a life of peace must be intentional. When we are intentional about living a life of Christ, peace will surround our lives.
Patiently Waiting for God's Promises
Romans 15:4 (NLT) — 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Peace is a promise to believers in Christ. As we build a life in the Lord, things don't always instantly happen. I can truly say today that I live in more peace than I ever have. There were times in my past when I had to fight to walk in peace. I had to tell my mind to sit down and shut up. I had to captivate every single thought.
What I didn't do was give up. Patiently, I was determined to allow it to work in my life. Not only did I read what God's Word promised, I saw other believers in Christ living it. By witnessing it in action, it made it more real to me than ever. God is not a respecter of persons. This means that He doesn't show favoritism over another person. All His promises are available to all His children. So, if they can walk in peace, I can walk in peace.
As I wrote, I walk in peace more than ever before, but I still have more to grow in. I am learning from my past and making changes continuously to achieve the fullness of His promises.
Conclusion
Living a life of peace in God is not always easy, and it takes work. However, it is 100% possible for all who believe by faith that they can walk in it.
As we surrender our lives to Him, keep our minds fixed on Him, and patiently wait for His promises to be fulfilled, we can experience a deep and lasting peace that transcends all circumstances.
Let us strive to live a life addicted to peace, seeking first the Kingdom of God and fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Scriptures on Peace
Philippian 4:6-7
2 Thessalonians 3:16
John 14:27
Isaiah 26:3
1 Peter 5:7
Psalm 4:8
Romans 5:1
Psalm 119:165
John 16:33
Colossians 3:15
Psalm 34:14
Romans 15:13
Frequently Asked Questions
How does prayer affect our level of peace?
In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to become anxious and worried about various things. However, through prayer, we can find a sense of calm and tranquility that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). When we bring our concerns before God in prayer, we are reminded of His love for us, which brings a deep sense of peace to our hearts.
The act of prayer is not just a casual conversation with a higher being; it is a powerful tool that can transform our innermost being. When we align our hearts with God's will through prayer, we allow His Spirit to work within us, guiding us into paths of righteousness and peace (Romans 8:26-27). Through prayer, we can experience a sense of peace that goes beyond our circumstances, enabling us to face challenges with a calm and steady spirit.
As we delve deeper into the practice of prayer, we realize that it is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound connection with the Creator of the universe. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of prayer in maintaining a peaceful state of mind (Matthew 6:6). By cultivating a consistent prayer life, we can experience a transformative peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Let us take hold of the power of prayer and allow it to bring peace into every aspect of our lives.
Can unforgiveness rob us of peace?
Unforgiveness can indeed rob us of peace, as it goes against the very teachings of the Bible. Matthew 6:14-15 says, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Holding onto grudges and resentment only leads to bitterness and turmoil in our hearts.
It is crucial to understand that forgiveness is not just for the benefit of the person who wronged us, but it is also for our own well-being. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." By letting go of past hurts and choosing to forgive, we invite peace and healing into our lives.
Ultimately, unforgiveness hinders our relationship with God and others. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." When we choose to forgive as God forgave us through Jesus Christ, we not only experience His peace but also reflect His love and grace to those around us.
How can I have peace in my home?
Seek peace from the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. His Word provides guidance on cultivating a peaceful atmosphere in your home. Proverbs 15:1 tells us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Choose your words wisely to promote peace and harmony.
Incorporate prayer into your daily routine to invite God's presence into your home. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, "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." Trust in the Lord's provision and lean on Him for peace in your home.
Lastly, practice forgiveness and grace towards one another. Colossians 3:13 instructs us to "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." By extending grace and forgiveness, you create a nurturing environment where peace can flourish. Let the love of Christ be the foundation of your home, fostering peace and unity among your family members.
Shawn Paul is an author and missionary who has been living and working in Central America for the past 10 years. He is passionate about living for Jesus Christ and inspiring others to do the same, which is the focus of his blog, where he shares his expertise in Christianity.
In addition to his missionary work, Shawn enjoys reading books, studying God's Word, growing plants and flowers, feeding birds, and keeping up with the latest technology.
As a writer, Shawn's unique perspective and passion for his faith shine through in his work. Shawn's goal for the future is to impact people around the world for Jesus through his writing and missionary work.