The God of Peace
Apr 23, 2014 1602
by Stephen Beagles
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” [tippy title=”Philippians 1:2″ class=”myclass” showheader=”true” href=”http://www.biblestudytools.com/tniv/philippians/1-2.html” width=”auto” height=”auto”]2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.[/tippy], NIV
The most valuable thing a human being can possess is peace of heart. Billionaires cannot purchase it, and politicians cannot demand that everyone have equal access to this inner state of quiet calm and serenity.
There is only one way to acquire this peace that eludes the most educated psychologists who do not understand its spiritual significance. The only way to have genuine peace is to be right with the God of the universe who created all things for His pleasure.
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” [tippy title=”Revelation 4:11″ class=”myclass” showheader=”true” href=”http://www.biblestudytools.com/tniv/revelation/4-11.html” width=”auto” height=”auto”]11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”[/tippy], KJV
The God who created human beings for His glory has encoded our hearts and minds with a basic knowledge concerning the laws of the universe. Those who are in harmony with natural and spiritual law will understand the true nature of spiritual peace as a gift from the creator.
The apostle Paul taught the Philippians the genuine source of peace with the following words inspired by the Holy Spirit:
“ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” [tippy title=”Philippians 4: 8-9″ class=”myclass” showheader=”true” href=”http://www.biblestudytools.com/tniv/philippians/passage.aspx?q=philippians+4:8-9″ width=”auto” height=”auto”]8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.[/tippy], NIV
Paul calls the Creator of the Universe the “God of peace” and tells us to dwell on righteousness, purity, loveliness, excellence, and things of a positive nature. How often do we ignore this counsel and focus on the negative things in life that upset us and create anxiety in our hearts? Paul also calls us to practice godliness in our daily life. How often do we get bogged down with doing things that we know are wrong, that give us temporary pleasure, but then haunt us with inner turmoil?
The first step towards gaining peace of heart is to be right with God. The second step is to trust God with our life to the point where we see the good of God in all things. There is no situation where God cannot turn our burdens into a blessing. The God of love, joy, and peace can turn any tribulation into triumph. He can turn any adversity to our advantage.
Jesus told His disciples how to have peace of heart in the mist of adversity. He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” [tippy title=”John 16:33″ class=”myclass” showheader=”true” href=”http://www.biblestudytools.com/tniv/john/16-33.html” width=”auto” height=”auto”]33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”[/tippy], NIV
Give your pain and sorrow to Jesus who is able to heal your brokenness and grant you His eternal blessings. Jesus died so we might have peace with God our father:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” [tippy title=”Isaiah 53:5″ class=”myclass” showheader=”true” href=”http://www.biblestudytools.com/tniv/isaiah/53-5.html” width=”auto” height=”auto”]5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.[/tippy]
Commit your heart to Jesus and experience the grace of God which alone can grant the peace for which you are searching. Trust God with all things and allow the Holy Spirit to breathe rest into your soul.
~Stephen Beagles (shamea.com)
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