Calvary closets Blog
Thoughts from a Prayer Closet - PEACE
Have you ever experienced satisfaction and a sense of calm when your home is well-organized and visually pleasing? Peace signifies tranquility, and our lives often lack joy without it. While completing home projects can offer temporary peace until the next undertaking arises, it makes one wonder how we can achieve lasting peace. The concept of peace is delineated in the Bible in three primary ways: peace through faith, inner peace, and peace with others.
First, there is peace between God and man through faith. When man was created, he was at peace with God, with himself, and with others. However, with sin's entrance, this peace was lost. Through Jesus, God's only Son, who died on the cross for our sins, peace could be restored. When we recognize Christ’s sacrifice, confess our sins, and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we attain peace. Knowing that if we were to die tonight, we would go to heaven, not by good works but through faith in our Lord. Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Secondly, there is psychological peace, known as inner peace. We attain inner peace by surrendering our life to the Lord and walking in His ways. Placing our trust in the Lord completely, communicating to the Lord through prayer, studying and obeying God's Word, and offering gratitude by giving thanks in all circumstances brings us serenity. Think about practicing these truths for inner peace:
- 1. Believe God is sovereign- in control of all things. (Psalm 103:19: The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.)
- 2. Trust the Lord to meet all of our needs (Philippians 4:19; And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus)
- 3. Maintain a clear conscience going to God in all circumstances (Paul spoke about having a clear conscience by walking in obedience in Acts 23:1; Acts 24:16)
- 4. Accept ourselves the way God made us (Psalm 139:14: I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well)
- 5. Have a sense of competency that the Lord will equip us for the tasks at hand. We are inadequate, but with God, we are capable. (Hebrews 13:21: equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.)
- 6. Have a sense of purpose which protects us from the feeling of emptiness (Ephesians 2:10: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.)
- 7. Have a sense of belonging which shields us from the feeling of rejection (John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.) As a result of these practices, we experience a peace that surpasses understanding similarly to the “eye” of a storm, the calm in the midst of trouble. Philippians 4:6 illustrates this: "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." Thirdly, there is peace with others. Even when the behavior or words of those around us are unsettling, we can remain calm. As Christians, we are called to pursue personal and relational peace through Christ. We can have peace with others through God by embracing His teachings and relying on His guidance in our interactions. Romans 12:18 encourages us: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Peace often requires humility, patience, understanding, and forgiveness. God calls us to forgive others just as He has forgiven us. By living out God’s love, we become instruments of peace. Matthew 5:9 tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
In summary, when we put our trust in the Lord as the Savior of our life and make a commitment to Him, have fellowship with God, trust Him for our everyday burdens that weigh us down, and follow His Word, we discover a lasting peace within our hearts that transforms the way we interact with others.
