“Give Me Your Peace” by Patrick Smith / Zac Rowe
of Gateway Church in Texas.
We are living in a world without peace.
Back in the 60’s John Lennon of the Beatles wrote a song called “Give Peace a Chance”. The “hippie” era was all about peace and love. Their aim was to support any peace initiative because it may result in a permanent peace. An anti-war song. It was for a moratorium to end the war in Vietnam. The question is….did it help?
The world in which we live, conflict is in overdrive. With everything going on in the world, groups, individuals, philosophies and beliefs are coming to blows everywhere. Finding peace in a world where evil and wickedness prevail isn’t easy. But it is possible.
People are looking for peace in all the wrong places: financial security, relationships, social status, meditation and even political victories and control. But true peace doesn’t come from any of this. True peace begins at the Cross. We’ve got to have peace with God before we can have any other kind of peace. The trouble is spiritual, not physical and only God can give you peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV) tells us, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”
Romans 5:1 tell us, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” It’s an inner calmness that takes over suffering, sorrow, and heartbreak. Finding peace in the midst of turmoil begins with making peace in yourself with God through Jesus Christ.
So how did this message come about. Jesus told his disciples, in turn, He is telling us, John 16:33, “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.” We see the tribulation Jesus speaks of everyday. He also said in John 14:27, “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.” Jesus is reassuring us that we shouldn’t be troubled. When Jesus resides in our hearts, looking up to Him will inject that peace we need in any situation. 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”
Everyone who knows the Lord Jesus Christ can go through any problem, even face death, and still have the peace of God in his heart. He gives us the ability to cope with difficulties because His peace is ever present. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, “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.” How many times do you fret and turn, looking for a little peace? God’s peace can be in your heart–right now.
Of course there is a little work on your part to maintain the peace offered. We have a manual a.k.a, God’s Word the Bible. It’s your owner’s manual for life. Romans 14:19 tells us, “So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another”. Simply put peace comes to us when we follow the instructions or commandments. God’s Peace comes when we live in harmony with Him. Psalm 119:165 (NIV), “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” We waste a lot of time and energy trying to figure life out by ourselves. God is urging us to trust in Him and His Son Jesus Christ as He is our Prince of Peace.
But you want to know how to get this peace…..just ask. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Your heart is the door of which Jesus speaks in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” It can only be opened from the inside as there is no door knob on the outside. Praying can be powerful. When you are praying you aren’t worrying. Peace and worry are opposites.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:5-7, “The Lord is at hand. 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.”
If you are a Christian you probably already know the peace of Jesus, but if you don’t know Him but would like to find that joy and peace get started by praying this little prayer and ask Jesus into your heart. Read your Bible and get to really know Jesus, follow God the Father’s instruction manual. When you have made peace with God and have the peace of God in your life, you will be able to combat the worry, doubt, fear, anxiety and troubles the enemy wants to inflict. God Bless You
When the grace of God comes to you, the result is peace.
God’s grace is in great quantity and is without limit.