Peace is one of those things that cannot be bought with money. Even if one takes measures to have peace, it is not something one can use material resources to get. Peace is a gift from God. No matter the caliber of security systems a person has to protect himself, only the Lord can make that person dwell in safety. Only He can ensure that the person dwells in peace. Psalm 4:8
In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 NIV
God’s peace is given to us to guard our hearts and minds (Php. 4:7). Many things could trouble our hearts and distort our minds, but the peace of God can guard us from such things. It forms an impenetrable wall around our hearts such that even when there is a troubling circumstance around us, we remain undisturbed.
Shifting your focus from God is a surefire way to lose your peace. Isaiah 26:3 helps us understand that those who are kept in perfect peace are those whose minds are stayed, that is, focused on God since it propagates their trust. If you find yourself losing your peace too easily, it may be an indicator that you have shifted your focus from God.
When we are focused on God, we are focused on the wonderful things He has done and the might of His power to do even more. It strengthens our trust in Him and keeps our hearts at bay. The absence of trust causes one to fear easily, and fear stirs up trouble in our hearts.
The Scripture tells us to look up to Jesus as He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12.2a). The more we keep the focus on Him, the more our faith and trust grow, and the more peace we will have. To set one’s mind on the Spirit is life and peace (Rom. 8:6). The way to easily preserve your peace is to keep your mind on the One that gives this peace.
Peace is a choice and our ability to maintain and remain in that peace God has given us, even in troubles, is a reflection of the depth of our faith.
Peace tells us of the depth of our trust in God. The Bible is complete, giving us assurance for every single problem –mentioned or unmentioned –that we may possibly encounter. If we believe all that the word of God says, then we will not worry needlessly about any problem at all. A person whose mind easily gets troubled is a person whose mind hasn’t learned to trust enough. The more peace you can show during turbulence, the deeper you have learned to trust God.
When the disciples were on the boat with Jesus and were getting troubled by the storm that had come upon them, Jesus saw it as a display of faithlessness (Mk. 4: 40). Left to Him, the storm did not need to be rebuked, hence why He slept through it. His peace remained intact through that storm. But for the sake of the people who had not reached that depth of faith, He rebuked the storm.
Jesus’ words give us peace. Though we have peace as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), sometimes we may fail to express it. This is why the study of the word is very key. Jesus’ words give us peace. In John 16:33, Jesus explains that He is telling us these things so we would have peace, despite the tribulations we may experience in this world. Therefore, He does not promise us that there won’t be tribulations, but that when they arise, His word is enough to restore and preserve our peace.
Whenever you feel your heart getting troubled, reaffirm the peace that Jesus has already given you. That peace is different from the world’s. It is peace as Christ gives. (Jn. 14:27)
We already have the peace of God (Gal. 5:22). But the things you expose yourself to can determine whether or not you live in the peace you already have. The things we consume have a way of settling in our minds. If your daily intake is troubling and upsetting news, it may be farfetched for you to expect peace of mind. The Bible encourages us to seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14). Don’t go about your day seeking trouble and pursuing it only to kneel at your bedside at night to ask for peace. That would only be hypocrisy. If we desire peace, then we must protect our minds from things that can antagonize that peace.
The best news station and current affairs to tune into for peace is the heavenly one, through prayer and study of the word. In this world, there would be many troubles but peace is always found in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, and most importantly, no storm troubles the ship where the Master of peace lies. Let Jesus into your boat. The saving grace the disciples had that day was that Jesus was on that ship with them (Mk. 4: 35-41). The circumstances of life can’t sink you, and your peace can only remain intact when you are in the same boat as the Prince of peace.
If you would like to let Jesus into the ship of your life, to experience the peace only He can give, say this prayer: Dear Jesus, I thank you for loving and dying for me. Today, I accept you as my Lord and Saviour and I receive you into my boat. From now on, I begin to enjoy the peace you give. Amen.
Faith+blog 