FINDING PEACEIt is God who gives peace. He is the One who causes peace to reign in a nation, a family, a church and individuals. "Peace" in the Bible is never the absence of strife and trouble. Rather, this term stands for a total well-being associated with our relationship with God. Only those who are born again and have a intimate relationship with the Father through His Holy Spirit have true peace. "Yahweh will give strength to his people. Yahweh will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 Peace comes from a right relationship with God made possible through Jesus Christ. "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote to the Philippian church, "The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 The conjunction "and" indicates that what follows is the consequence of what precedes. Paul's preceding comment was, "In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6. God's peace is the result of NOT being anxious about anything. And not being anxious is the result of taking everything to God in prayer and believing He will take care of all problems. Due to persecution and hostility, the Philippians had more than enough reason for worry and anxiety. Worldly people have many problems to worry about and to be anxious over, but we must not be worried nor be anxious about anything for God is with us. If we go to God with thankful hearts, presenting our petitions, seeking His will, and knocking on His door, His peace will be with us. A peace that is beyond understanding. Thanksgiving is the attitude which should go with every act of prayer. An attitude arising from a remembrance of God's goodness in the past and a realization of His blessings in the present. Paul often pairs "prayer" and "thanksgiving" together in his letters. Do you always express your thanks to God when you ask Him for something? A thankful heart is an important element in prayer and your peace depends upon being thankful, regardless of the circumstances you are in. Failure to be thankful indicates a lack of faith in God. It indicates a lack of assurance that God is in control and is doing what is best for you. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." John 14:27. "I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world" John 16:33. David wrote, "In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, For you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety." Psalm 4:8. True security and safety rests only in our dependence upon God. Experience has proven that guns and security systems do not provide absolute security. Faith in God's promise that He is with us is the best security system. When we are in God's will we can claim the promise of 1 John 5:18, that Jesus keeps us safe and the evil one cannot harm us. "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever." Isaiah 32:17. Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up. Galatians 6:9
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