CHOOSING PEACE

 AUGUST 10, 2022

PSALM 85:8

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people …

JOHN 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Psalm 29:11

“The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.”


It seems that our culture says that peace can only come when you’ve worked your fingers to the bone and have finally attained all you want. You can only have peace when you have enough money, friends, the right job, or the right spouse. You can only have peace if friends, family, and employers like you. Whatever the culture offers us as peace is temporary. The world can’t offer us peace because it has nothing in which to place its hope, trust, and security. Kingdoms come and go. Leaders move in and out of power. What societies value changes consistently.

Our only constant is Jesus. He has been, is, and forever will be the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all. All authority has been given to him. He governs the change of seasons. And he longs to offer total and sustained peace to all who place their hope and trust in him. God’s way is to draw us into himself and offer us peace during our various  circumstances. He doesn’t want you to wait until everything gets worked out before you can have peace and rest he’s offering you these gifts right now.

Romans 8:6 says, “To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” It’s by the Spirit alone that we will find life and peace. I guess bluntly it is saying "stop looking for your fulfillment in the things of the world. Stop asking the world to offer you what it never had to begin with." Look toward your heavenly Father for the peace that surpasses all understanding. May you be filled with rest and peace today as you spend time in prayer seeking the face of God.

REFLECTION

1. When have you experienced the Lord’s peace in your life? Take a moment to write down a few experiences that come to mind and thank God for giving you His peace.

2. In what ways might you be seeking the world’s peace instead of God’s peace right now? Ask God to help you turn from temporary peace and take hold of His lasting peace.