True, lasting peace, means so much more than some kind of flat-lining policy that is tooted from the steeples by the church rooster. “Harmony” so called is not peace. The peace that the world cannot give, under any circumstance, is something that needs strength and confidence.
“The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” (Psalms 29:11)
Most people desire both strength and confidence. Throughout history, God has revealed his power through many and various miracles, which I believe the Bible may have alluded to when it said: “Jesus presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”
Jesus promises to continue to reveal his power. True peace is true power. Power is what power does. Paul urged us to understand how great God’s power is (Eph 1:18-23). It takes a special kind of power to have true peace. To have the peace only Jesus can give. (John 14:27) The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to help us with our daily problems. When we feel weak and limited, there is no need to despair. Scripture tells us that God can give you strength. The same power that controls creation and raises the dead is available to you as we can also see in The Apostle’s prayer:
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” (Phil 3:10)
Jesus promised just before He ascended to Heaven, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
We have to concede, this kind of peace would need real power.
Jesus’ words show that the way to eternal life, though unseen in most of our dire circumstances, is totally secure. As secure as your trust in Jesus. Jesus has already prepared the way to eternal life. The only issue that may still be unsettled is your willingness to believe all that He has promised in all of His Word. The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is a confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future.
Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace.
Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. (Phil 4:6-7, ERV)
The consciousness of right-doing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds. All who are at peace with God have secured the most important requisite to health. The blessing of the Lord is life to the receiver.(S.T., 1882, No. 23).
“The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.” (Prov 10:22)
Imagine never worrying about anything! It seems like an impossibility; we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school, even at Church and other places that are supposed to be “safe.” But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray. If you have time to worry, you have time to pray.
“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” (Prov 14:26)
“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not,” (Isa 30:15)
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
The emphasis, in both peace and prayer here is on God’s will, not our will.
When we communicate with God, we don’t demand what we want; rather we discuss with him what he wants for us. If we align our prayers to his will, he will listen; and we can be certain that because Jesus listens, he will give us a definite answer. Answers to our prayers may include things such as “yes,” “no,” “maybe,” or “if.” But we all can start praying today with confidence!
Christ has said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24). “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13).
And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance:
“If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” (1 John 5:14, 15).
Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will always honor that name.
There is great peace that comes from doing what we know is right.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Col 3:14-15)