Perfect Peace

- Our circumstances feel overwhelming and hopeless
- Our sleep is interrupted as we are shackled with concerns
- We experience fear of failure as a parent, friend, or co-worker
- Our mind is under siege with negative or self-centered thoughts
- We throw ourselves into the activities that distract us from anxiety
- We find ourselves calling a family member, friend or co-worker to overcome depression
The apostle Paul also talked about peace in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.”
Wait a minute; God is the Lord of peace and gives peace? We can have it “at all times”?
In Colossians 3:15 Paul addresses the Christians at Colossae with, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” So, God gives peace, but we have to allow the peace of Christ to rule our lives.
In Jude 1:2 it says, “May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” The mercy, peace and love I have can be multiplied…but how?
My favourite scripture about peace is Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Allow me to share The Passion Translation version of that same verse, “Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you; they confidently trust in you.”
I want to be consumed and obsessed with who God is and trust that He has things under control.
These scriptures make it clear:
- God gives peace
- We have to let peace rule our hearts
- Peace can be multiplied
- Perfect peace is available if we consistently focus on and trust our Lord
Reflect on the many times God has been faithful. God was faithful in the Bible and has been faithful in our lives. Journal about the milestones in your past when God clearly was present…possibly only in retrospect.
Write Psalm 46:1 on an index card to remind yourself, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Also add 1 John 4:4, “Great is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
God can provide peace that surpasses all understanding. He is always present and always good.
Choose childlike faith. Surrender to God and draw closer to Him.
God wants us to expect and experience perfect peace in eternity and on earth.
Guest Contributor,
Laura Harris
Your TRUE Identity
