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What is the peace of God, and what happens when you find it?
Back then, in my life, I had no peace. My soul was restless, and for a few moments whenever I found some peace, it could fluctuate at the display of an external circumstance. This year, I have noticed something different in my life. Various external circumstances have crossed my path to shake me like they had in the past, but they found me when my heart and mind had been guarded by the peace of God.
On a certain day, during my conversation with someone, I mentioned that I didn’t have finances to sustain myself, but I was at peace. This person didn’t believe me. She wondered how I could be at peace when I was struggling here and there. I don’t even know how I can explain this peace I found because it’s beyond my knowledge. It’s so deep and unspeakable. Let me explain a little bit about what this divine peace looks like.
The peace of God is a state in which you feel a sense of serenity, or inner calmness, and contentment, regardless of the external environment. To experience the peace of God, you must place your trust in him and recognize that he is in complete control of your life. With this peace in your heart and mind, you pass through life with the understanding that everything that pertains to your life will ultimately work out for the best according to God’s plan.
When God gives you peace, you find yourself relaxing in all areas of your life. You don’t have to worry as much about anything or be anxious. You face challenges or issues with grace, knowing that God is there for you. Nothing that life throws at you shakes you. With God’s peace in your heart, you learn to forgive, even when it is hard. And live in peace with even those who are unforgivable. God’s peace keeps you from complaining about anything. But instead, become content with what you’ve got. It gives you a sense of purpose and the ability to show kindness to others.
Even if you’re going through a tough time, it can be hard for others to understand. Having God’s peace in your life will help ease your pain and sorrow. Having the peace of God is a powerful tool that can be used to hurt the enemy. For instance, when you use your smile as a weapon to respond to someone trying to take advantage of your pain by speaking hurtful words, you hurt them more. Likewise, when you respond to external circumstances with God’s peace, it will shield your heart and mind and thus protect you from harm and any schemes of the enemy.
The peace I talk about is not something you earn or achieve through your efforts. It is a divine gift that God gives himself, according to John 14:27. God’s peace is different from the kind of peace this world offers. In the world, peace depends on external circumstances or worldly comforts. But God’s peace is not attached to anything. It is unique; it is a deep and lasting peace that comes from the relationship and trust you put in God. The peace of God goes beyond logical reasons and enables you to navigate this world with faith.
God’s peace is true and lasting. It’s eternal and unchanging. This peace provides stability and assurance in a world that is characterized by uncertainty and difficulty. The peace of God is what sustains you when everything isn’t working out. On days when everything is chaotic or uncertain, God’s peace is what carries you through those days. When trials and tribulations are the order of the day, God’s peace acts as a protective shield for your emotional and mental well-being. It guards against anxiety, fear, doubt, and the harmful effects of worldly concerns. With this peace in your heart and mind, you are guaranteed security and stability, even when facing challenges in life. This peace I discovered is what I desire for you today.
Why do you need the peace of God?
1. Because it’s a valuable gift in the Kingdom of God
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 NKJV).
The scripture above shows us that while our eyes may be on worldly or material things such as food and drinks, the Kingdom of God is not like that. The Kingdom of God is about attaining righteousness, peace, and joy. God’s peace often comes with a shift in values away from materialism and towards a focus on spiritual and emotional well-being. Nothing in this world satisfies. Some rich people we admire have no peace at all in their hearts. The only way you can learn to be content, rest in life, or enjoy all the riches you accumulate is by allowing the peace of God to fill your heart. Without this kind of peace, you will remain stressed and worried because you can’t carry this world on your shoulders and manage it.
2. The peace of God can free you from the burdens of anxiety and worry
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV).
Anxiety and worry are common human experiences when things aren’t going smoothly. And if you fail to manage your stress levels, you end up harming our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By engaging in prayer and expressing an attitude of thanksgiving, you give way to God’s peace entering your heart, which serves as a guard against the anxieties and concerns that can weigh you down.
3. The peace of God is what will give you strength in times of trouble
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33, NKJV).
The reality of life is that the world will continue to have many more trials and tribulations. And the fact is that no one is exempt from these trials. All sorts of adversities will come to us on this path of life. However, Jesus offered us a source of hope and comfort amidst our challenges, which is his peace. We can be calm knowing that the peace of God is at our disposal to give us strength to navigate all the difficulties of life. The fact that Jesus overcame challenges in life, overcame death, and resurrected is enough to provide you with hope that every difficulty you face will come to an end.
4. The peace of God will enable you to live in harmony with others
Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrew 12:14, NKJV).
The peace of God is not something that happens passively. But something that requires intentional effort God’s peace involves resolving conflicts, seeking reconciliation, and fostering harmonious relationships with everyone, regardless of differences or disagreements. In this world, there are people who will disrespect you and convey harmful behaviors towards you. But when you actively pursue peace in your life while also striving for holiness, you will create an environment that reflects God’s values.
5. The peace of God leads to contentment and a grateful heart
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful (Colossians 3:15, NKJV).
Once you experience the peace of God, you become more inclined to see the beauty and goodness around you. You will notice that even in challenging times, there are reasons to be thankful because you trust that God is in control and working for your ultimate good.
How do you get the peace of God?
1. Cultivate a close relationship with God
Cultivating a close relationship with God is a process of growing in your love and knowledge of Him and learning to trust Him more and more. It is a journey that takes time and effort, but it is one of the most rewarding things that you can do in life. To cultivate a close relationship with God, you need to spend time in prayer, Bible study, praise, and worship.
Prayer time will allow you to share your joys, sorrows, doubts, and fears, and Bible study time will enable you to learn about God’s characters and reveal to you his promises and his plan for your life. Praise and worship of God will enable us to reflect on his goodness. The act of getting closer to God will fill your heart with peace that is beyond human explanation. Having a close relationship with God will enable you to put your difficulties in perspective and help you recognize that many of the things you are concerned about are insignificant.
2. Cultivate a content and grateful heart
When you are grateful, you redirect your attention from negative thoughts and feelings and shift focus to the positive elements of your life. You recognize the simple blessings and joys in your life. Establish a habit of gratitude for all that God has given you. Be content with your life and refrain from constantly looking for external validation or possessions as a source of contentment. The more gratitude you express, the more peace with God you will find.
3. Let go and let God
Why waste mental energy thinking and worrying about something you can’t do anything about? Why not choose surrendering to the ultimate power that controls everything? The truth is that however much you worry or get anxious about certain aspects of life, they will remain beyond your control. The best way to deal with your fears and anxieties is to turn them over to God, so you can live in peace and accept what you can’t control.
4. Forgive yourself and those who have hurt you
When you forgive someone who has hurt you, whether it’s another person or yourself, you release feelings of resentment, anger, and bitterness. Holding onto these negative emotions can be emotionally and spiritually draining, preventing you from experiencing inner peace. Forgiveness frees you from the burden of carrying these negative emotions. Forgiveness is very key to your healing process. As you let go of grudges and self-blame, you open up space for emotional and spiritual healing, and you will be able to experience inner peace.
5. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness encourages you to be fully present in the current moment. By paying attention to your breath, bodily sensations, and the world around you, you become more aware of the divine presence that exists in every moment. Mindfulness practices often involve observing your thoughts without judgment and letting them pass without attachment. This can help quieten the constant mental chatter and worries that can disrupt your inner peace.
6. Serve others
Acts of service and kindness are the greatest source of fulfillment in my life. The feeling of making a difference in someone’s life fills me with joy. Acts of kindness give me a sense of meaning beyond myself. These acts remind me that I am living for others, not for myself. That way, I can help them without any expectations. Try serving others; it will bring joy and God’s peace to your heart.
7. Surround yourself with supportive people
My workplace is a community that has helped me find peace in the form of guidance and support and has given me a sense of belonging. I found peace when I realized that my work colleagues truly value me and care about my well-being. So, step out of your comfort zone and seek out like-minded individuals. Through the different conversations and engagements, you will find God’s peace.
8. Take care of yourself
Our bodies, spirits, and minds are gifts from God. Therefore, it is our responsibility to take care of them. Practice living a healthy lifestyle where you exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, and manage your stress levels. These acts will greatly enable you to cultivate and greatly contribute to our inner peace.
9. Accept your imperfections
Once you accept that no one is perfect, If every person makes mistakes and can learn from them, then peace will locate you. Start accepting yourself the way you are and accepting others for who they are, embracing imperfections and differences.
10. Be open to growth
Divine peace doesn’t come in one day. It takes a conscious step to cultivate continuous personal and spiritual development. The more information you learn, the more transformation that occurs to you and the more peace.
Conclusion
The peace of God is a precious gift that is available to everyone. Once you find the peace of God, you will be able to face any challenge or obstacle with confidence, knowing that God is with you and will see you through. Seeking the peace of God, achieving it, and maintaining it is a personal journey. It takes effort, and it all starts with developing a relationship with God. This involves surrendering all to Jesus, spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and obeying what it says.
As time goes on and you add on the practice tips shared here, you will experience more and more of God’s peace in your life. The peace of God is not something that you can earn or achieve on your own. It is a gift from God that He gives to those who trust in Him. But once you have it, it is a treasure that will enrich your life beyond measure. I urge you to seek the peace of God today. It is the greatest gift that you could ever receive to help you navigate the inevitable difficulties of life with grace and confidence.
Reflection
What external circumstance is taking away your inner peace and joy? Are you struggling with inner conflict, stress, anxiety, guilt, or restlessness? Have you lost a loved one? Do you feel uncertain about your beliefs’ values or purpose in life? Has your focus been primarily on material possessions, wealth, or eternal success, which may be making you feel empty and unfulfilled on a deeper level? Could you be experiencing negative emotions such as anger, resentment, jealousy, or bitterness? Do you feel like you no longer feel connected to the high power, your faith is no more, and you do not know what to do? Are there any external life stressors like financial difficulties, relationship issues, or health challenges that are disrupting your peace? Worry not anymore. Instead, seek the peace of God. Do not allow a challenge that is temporary to take away your inner peace.
**********Thank you for sparing your time to read*********
