Jesus promised to give us his peace:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14,27
While reading this Scripture, do you sometimes think: “Ah, well nice. And how do I really get and feel that peace?” I often asked myself this question. I need God’s peace and I want it to surround me and steady it in my heart.
The peace of God calms your emotions and drives away worry, anxiety and confusion. It produces stability in your heart and mind. But it also means to live in reconciliation with God through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Well then, how do you get that peace?
Let’s look at Philippians 4,4-7:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
I love the fact that these verses are so practical with clear instructions!
Paul describes a specific way on how you can receive God’s peace and what it will do for you. When you get it, it will guard your heart and your mind. How cool is that! No more worries, no more anxiety, no more sorrows or vicious circles in your head. It will just be calm and peaceful in your mind. That’s so beautiful!
Let’s look at the different instructions:
- Rejoice! In the Bible, things like joy and love aren’t feelings or behaviors. They are decisions you make. It is your responsibility to choose love and joy. The Greek word for joy is “xará.“ According to its etymological background, it means „to rejoice because of grace.“ Rejoice because of your eternal life in the presence of God’s love and all the goodness and grace He shows. Your joy isn’t bound to circumstances or events, it is found in God!
- Be gentle! Live in peace with others. Forgive those who hurt you and apologize to those you have harmed.
- Do not be anxious! There is no reason for anxiety. Our God is bigger than fear; He reigns and darkness must flee. Consequently, pray for everything.
- Pray and ask! Give God all your fears and sorrows. Ask Him for help. He is trustworthy and loves you! He will provide. No prayer is too big or too small for God. Pray about EVERYTHING.
- Thank! Do not only ask for things, also give thanks. Look at all the good things God has already done in your life. Think about the people and things you have got. Let your focus shift away from your problems and set it on the things that are great in your life.
We can never fully understand the peace of God. But one thing is for sure; do those things Paul said and God’s peace will take over your mind and your heart.
Read more:
A testimony of God’s provision
A God of second chances. How he showed me his goodness.
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