One thing most of us have in common is the desire to be at peace. We want our country to enjoy peace. We want our local churches to be at peace. We want our homes to be peaceful. Peace is the opposite of war and strife, things that most people want to avoid, if at all possible.
One of the blessings of being a part of the people of God is the peace that He provides for us.
Psalm 29:11 (NKJV)
11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.
How does God bless His people with peace? The answer to this question relates to the various areas of our lives where God gives us peace. For example, God gives us peace of mind.
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
There is no need for Christians to be overwhelmed with anxiety because God guards our hearts and minds with peace. It is important to know, however, that this peace does not come automatically. Paul tells us that we must pray for it. Prayer is the alternative to anxiety. James once reminded us that sometimes we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2). We might think of material possessions when we hear these words from James, but his words are just as applicable to having peace of mind.
God also gives us peace among men. This begins with the gospel. When people obey the gospel, any walls of hostility are broken down. Enemies become brothers and sisters in Christ.
Ephesians 2:14 (ESV)
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
This is why the gospel is referred to as the gospel of peace (Romans 10:15). It brings us peace with both man and God (Romans 5:1).
When we live by the gospel, peace reigns in our lives. We have peace in our homes. Husbands and wives share in the peace of God when they live as Christians should. When we obey God, we have peace with brethren in our local churches because the gospel teaches us to live apart from envy, strife, and bitter ambitions (Galatians 5:20; Philippians 2:3; James 3:14). Finally, the gospel teaches us to have peace with all men (Romans 12:18). When we have peace in all these areas, we have a peaceful life given to us by God through the gospel of Christ.
Now, let’s remember, peace is something that we must not only desire, but also be willing to work toward. It seems as though some people just do not want peace, and they are the ones who cry the loudest when things are not going well for them in life. God will give us the blessing of peace, but we have to allow Him to do so.
Colossians 3:15 (ESV)
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.