God is the author of peace who gives to those who seek Him. But the enemy hates peace and tries to steal it. The good news is, the enemy is a liar. God gives us truth in His word, and He helps us stand firm (Ephesians 6:14).
An opponent of peace is fear. But if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we don’t have to fear anything, because Jesus has risen from the dead! We can rest in knowing God is with us. He is here protecting us, and He has secured our eternal future with Him (Ephesians 1:13-14). When we’re afraid, we can cry out to the God of the universe, who rescues us (Psalm 34:4).
An obstacle to a peaceful mind is discontentment. When we feel we’ve been deprived in some way, we can quickly spiral into discouragement. But thankfulness counteracts discouragement surprisingly well. When we set aside time to thank God for the ways He’s blessed us and provided for us, our confidence in Him grows. Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.â€
A hindrance to a life of peace is shame. Every one of us commits sin against God, but Jesus made a way for us to be totally cleansed from all that guilt. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross, we can know that nothing separates us from God’s love! Whenever we mess up, we can repent and come to Him (Psalm 34:4-5; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 1:8-9).
A thief of peace is bitterness. Don’t let hurts fester. Tell God about them (Psalm 62:8). Unload your heavy heart to the Lord, and let Him soothe your hurts.
An obstacle to a peaceful life is hopelessness. When we feel ourselves sliding into despair, we can know we’re not alone (Psalm 88; 143) and cry out to God, who rescues us through Jesus and gives us powerful hope through the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Even in the midst of hardships and suffering, we can still have peace. Jesus knew this better than anyone, and He comforted His disciples by telling them He has overcome the world (John 16:33). God refreshes and renews us (Psalm 23). With God we have peace. • Golda Dilema
• How is the peace Jesus offers different from the peace that comes from circumstances?
• Who is a trusted Christian you can talk and pray with when you feel like you lack peace?
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. John 14:27 (CSB)
Read Verses:
Psalm 12:5; Proverbs 14:31; Zechariah 7:10; Luke 10:25-30
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