The Peace of God

I have sat down three times over the last four days to complete this post, and it will not look anything like I intended it when I started it the first time. Not that what I was sharing was a bad message, but it was my message. Thus the reason I wrote and re-wrote three times, never quite getting it right before I scrapped it all, prayed and began anew. I hope this reaches those it is intended for.

In a season that is very uncertain in so many ways for most everyone in the world, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that people are seeking some peace. Unfortunately, our society has a skewed understanding of what peace truly is, and where it can be found. So many people look in a million and one places that produce temporary and fabricated peace if any at all. The Bible, however, is very clear about where and how we find peace; and not just any peace, but the peace of God, which cannot be faked or duplicated. We can only receive that peace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1 - "Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (HCSB)

When we establish a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we have access to so many wonderful things that can make our life easier. Not a life free of trials and temptations or free of worries and woes, but one where peace is available, if we choose to access and accept it. Philippians 4:6-7 directs us, "Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (HCSB)

With so much information swirling around and no way of knowing what is accurate and what is not, what a relief to know that surrender of our worries to the Lord through prayer will not only lighten our load, but will also guard our heart and mind. That sounds pretty simple, right?

One of our previous pastors always says, "It's simple, but it isn't easy." Nothing could me more true in this instance. It is simple to say and know and understand that we need to surrender our worries to the Lord. It may even be simple for you to know that the Lord has the ability to care for our needs and understands our concerns. Where things shift from simple to not so easy is where the reality of financial burdens continue to stack up and where the reality of excess time confined with little or no outlet produces shortened patience and heightened emotions and where the reality of uncertainty and unknown are evident everywhere we turn. It is simple to know that surrender brings peace, but not necessarily easy to do when the circumstances are all-consuming. Note that I said not easy rather than not possible.

It may require all you can muster, and it may require it from one minute to the next over and over again; but if you can surrender in prayer something as simple as, "God I don't know what to do." or "God, I need you." you will begin to feel the peace of God in your life. At the same time, find something little to be thankful for. "Father, I am thankful that the sun is shining today." or "Lord, I am thankful that I am safe." Add that thanksgiving to your prayer and all of a sudden you will feel that peace even more.

One moment at a time, one worry at a time, one prayer at a time. God can give you peace, even in these overwhelmingly troubled times.