Monday, September 30, 2024
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. Ephesians 2:11-16
Understanding and Experiencing God’s Peace
How does understanding and experiencing God’s peace in our lives help us look more like Jesus?
The world we live in is full of things that can steal our peace. Every day the news and social media feeds are full of things that are happening, are going to happen, or that may happen. Thinking about these things can cause us stress, anxiety, and a total lack of peace. Our own personal lives can be chaotic and even trouble filled in some seasons. Sickness, tragedy, broken relationships, financial hardships and more can shake our faith and destroy our peace if we are not vigilant against that happening.
These things are a part of living in a broken world. But this world and all the things of this world are temporary, not eternal. Our Heavenly Father is eternal and never changing. He, His promises, and His character never change, no matter what is happening in our lives. He is more powerful than anything this world throws at us. He is sovereign over all things and circumstances. In John 16:33 Jesus said I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
The world usually defines peace as the absence of conflict, but the peace that Jesus gives is a promised assurance, in any circumstance. With Christ's peace we have no need to fear the present or the future. What the world offers seems like peace but is quite the opposite. Like a morsel of food to a starving animal, the worldly peace we chase only leaves us longing for something else. The peace He gives satisfies, forever. It drowns out the trouble of this world and overcomes all fear. Sin, fear, uncertainty; doubt, and numerous other forces can be at war within us. The peace of God offers comfort in place of conflict. Jesus says He will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from Him.
Is it possible to have peace in those moments that shake us? Jesus said we could find peace in Him – a different peace than the world offers. The world has nothing to offer compared to what we have in Him. When we are struggling, what can we do to have peace? We experience God’s peace when we know Him. If we know Him, we will understand Him, and if we know Him and understand Him, we will experience this peace only He gives that is different than the world. When it is chaotic or difficult times, we must remember and focus on what God has done in our lives. We know He is a promise keeping God because we have seen the fulfillment of His word in our lives and in the lives of others. We have seen Him work. We have testimony of His faithfulness. We have felt His love and we have experienced His mercy, grace, and salvation. This is what we must remember.
When we look at our circumstances, our trials, or the news, we will be anxious and have no peace. It is only when we focus on Him and stay fixated on Him, no matter what is happening around us, that we can find peace in any situation.
