The thing every one of us looks for in so many different places and different ways today: true peace.
The problem is when we find it in the world it never lasts.
I want to talk with you about a peace that only comes from God, one that will carry you through all the troubles of this life.
Biblical peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is taking action to restore a broken situation. It’s more than a state of inner tranquility; it’s a state of wholeness and completeness.
God is the only true source of peace, one of God’s names is Yahweh Shalom.
“So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” Judges 6:24 Peace and comfort do not come from knowing about God or from even being saved, they only come by trusting God in every situation of our life.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4 When we trust that it is God who has absolute authority in everything (even though we don’t understand) then we can have Peace and Comfort knowing God will see us through.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Psalm 23:1-6 Jesus came to give us life through His shed blood, the forgiveness of sin. Jesus also gives us peace, one of His names is “Prince of Peace.”
“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, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 Jesus had complete confidence in God and that’s why He could go through what He did and He gave us that peace.
You know as we talk about peace and comfort from God and look at this world and all the things that go on in it and in us, we ask where is the peace?
Today in this life we are going to go through many hard things, some that are not right at all, but if we will keep our minds on Jesus He will carry us through.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 My biggest battle is my mind, the thoughts that come in and steal my peace and comfort even sleep at times bothered me for years. When I began to make God the focus of my life and put His Word “Bible” in my heart and mind daily I found the victory in Jesus. I believe many people battle these same things. Here is a passage I have kept open by my bed and would read often when the thief came to steal from me: Phillippians 4:4-9.
We know the battle for this peace and comfort is real; mentally and physically and we must bring it into control in our mind. Jesus has His Peace in store for us, His strength, His courage and it is there for us to stand in. We must learn about and seek Jesus each day to keep this peace alive within us: Psalm 119:165-168.
Donnie Spears is the pastor at Corinth Baptist Church near Cassville. He may be reached at 417-847-4165.
