Truth:
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (New Living Translation)
Thought:
When we were in New Zealand, everyone was so laid-back compared with what we were used to in North America. When you signaled to change lanes on a busy motorway, people would actually give way to you. It was astounding.
Few were in a hurry. “No worries” is the standard reply. No one seemed busy… unless you were in the church.
I spoke to some of my pastor friends about this: “How can you reach a culture that’s laid-back, when you seem to take pride in being busy?” I suppose what I meant was, how can the church teach peace when they don’t experience it?
I’m not pointing fingers here. In North America it’s so much worse. We add church programs into a busy schedule and feel holiest when we are close to burnout. How can we have “feet fitted with the gospel of peace” when we don’t have peace?
But we can have peace. It’s our choice to obey God.
We can fix our thoughts on Him (Isaiah 26:3) and take all of our requests to Him with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-8). We can forgive others for our sake and choose to live un-offended at God. We can cease striving and give up our right to understand so we can have the peace that passes understanding.
So will you?
Prayer:
Lord, in my weakness You are strong and I need Your strength to help me choose peace. I need Your peace to share Your good news. I need Your peace to calm me in the storm. I need Your peace so others will see Your goodness and greatness in me. I choose today to seek peace and pursue it.
Challenge:
Take everything you are worrying about and thank God for the answers that are promised in His word. Meditate on Matthew 6:7-34.
Declaration:
I choose to reflect the light of the Son to the side of the world that’s away from the Son. I choose to put on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
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Thanks for helping others live life above the negativity!
Thank you for this in a time when I really need it. I will focus on “I choose today to seek peace and pursue it.”
Thanks Lesley. There are seasons I need to do the same. Let’s keep in touch.
Good Afternoon RevTrev! This was a tough one for me to get my arms around. I am not very familiar with the many references to Peace that Jesus made – and at first glance the apparent difference between say – Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” and “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:7).
But ultimately, it seems that the peace that surpasses all understanding is Peace with God. Jesus life and death facilitated that peace unlike any ritual, prayer or other sacrifice ever could. When we have peace with God, there will be suffering in the world – because the world is fallen and doesn’t know that peace for itself.
I love that Paul uses Grace and Peace in his greetings! “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ” Galatians 1:3 – I leave you the same today. Be blessed!