I have a confession to make. Many
times, I allow my peace to escape me. I often worry about the future, my
present, and I sometimes wish I had made better decisions in my past. I worry
about bills, new clothes, shoes, and bags. I’m concerned if I am liked or
disliked, or if people smile in my face and talk about me behind my back. I worry
about family members and sometimes co-workers. That’s too much worrying and not
enough peace if you ask me.
There is so much to worry and be
anxious about in today’s society. People have no jobs, marriages are on the
rocks, and disease and sickness is enough to make a person agonize. Nevertheless,
the Bible says that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed
on Him (Isaiah 26:3). How many times do we forget that God is in control and
our peace comes from Him alone?
I recently took a trip to Jamaica.
Since this was only my second time traveling by airplane, I’ll admit I had some
reservations about it. At one point, I allowed fear to come into my heart. Nevertheless,
as the plane took off I prayed for my safety as well as the other passengers. I
also prayed for the pilot and the flight attendants. Once I prayed, I released
the flight to the Lord. As the plane ascended thousands of feet into the
atmosphere, my attention refocused on where I was and what was surrounding me.
I saw the cotton-like clouds at a close distance. I saw the bright blue sky up
close and personal. I flew over beautiful blue water thousands of feet in the
air. I was on my way to a lovely island that many people in their lifetime will
never see. Suddenly my fear was gone and a peace came over me as I trusted God
to get me to Jamaica safely and refocused my attention.
The biblical definition for the word
peace means a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation,
applicable to the temper of the mind. It also means freedom from internal
commotion. Peace is freedom from disturbance from passions, as from fear, terror,
anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of the mind; calmness; and quiet of the
conscious. Do you have peace with your circumstances, who you are, and with God’s
will for your life in this present season?
God commands that we, “… be not anxious
about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present our requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will
guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
Ephesians 2:14 says that, He Himself
is our peace. If God is our peace, why do we allow earthly materials and circumstances
to destroy our peace? Where does your peace come from? Does it come from your
job position, your beautiful home or car, your spouse’s presence, your many
accolades or your successful children? Suppose these things were taken away
from you? Would you still have your peace and faith in God? Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect]
peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and
trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take
courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I
have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (John 16:33).
One of my favorite scriptures is
John 14:1, where Jesus comforts His followers by saying, “Let not your heart be
troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” What are you worried about
today? What issue is pressing on your heart? Believe in Jesus and trust in Him
as you follow Him. Give Him your issues and release them. DO NOT take them back
by worrying any longer. This is not always easy but possible. The Bible says to
“Cast
the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your
concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and
cares about you watchfully (1 Peter 5:7, AMP). I love God because He cares for
me affectionately and watchfully. Does this sound like the kind of God that
will forsake you? Release your cares and let the peace of God fill your heart
and mind as I plan to do.
-Peace
to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.