by Jan Null
If someone asked you, “What word characterizes your life? How would you answer? Is your description of your life defined by fear? Anxiety? Activity? Stress? Mediocrity? Chaos? Recently in preparation for the ladies’ retreat this past April, I concluded that as believers, our life ought to be characterized by PEACE. Let me explain.
Walking out biblical peace is not something we create on our own. It is a fruit of the Spirit. It is more than a state of inner tranquility, it is a state of wholeness and completeness. True peace is not the absence of conflict, it is taking action to restore a broken relationship. It is trusting God on all fronts through the conflict and tension.
God has many principles in His Word concerning peace. Let’s look briefly at five helpful verses.
1. Our relationships with others need to be nurtured and cared for so we can enjoy peace.
Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Has your peace been stolen because you have withheld forgiveness? Have you given every ounce of energy to move toward restoration? If not, your peace has been and will continue to be robbed.
2. Peace is yours when we spend quality time in the Word.
Ps. 119:165 – “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Make every effort to listen to, study, and meditate on the Word. I can tell you that DWELL, a Bible phone app, has helped me considerably in this area. I listen to the Word while I paint, while I wash dishes, and when I am driving. It has energized me as I focus on the Word. It has brought peace and encouragement throughout the day.
3. Walking daily in righteousness produces peace.
Isa. 32:17 – “And the effect of righteousness will be peace and the result of righteousness is quietness and trust forever.” Is integrity and good choices in word and deed a conscious thought as you interact with others? Is unconfessed sin robbing your peace?
4. Peace is yours when your mind is focused on God.
Isa. 26:3 – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Practically, I think this is the most difficult concept to practice. So many things clutter our mind on a daily basis. It is easy to be consumed with a crazy schedule of sports, home responsibilities, work, and church life. The list is endless! Is it possible to filter all those things through your mind and still keep the Lord central? I think it is but it takes constant attention.
5. Peace is a gift.
Ps. 29:11 – “May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!” Are you enjoying this gift daily or does it remain unopened? God has purposed that this gift is for you both in positional and practical ways. Tap into the peace that passes all understanding.
This week, take action to walk in peace. Ps. 34:14 tells us to “seek peace and pursue it.” A healthy spiritual walk of peace draws others to Christ because of your peace. In a world distraught with anxiety and division, others will be drawn to believers whose life is characterized by peace. Determine what is robbing you of the peace your heavenly Father has given and move forward to eliminate those things. Then you will sincerely embrace Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 3:16:
“Now may the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
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