Seven Things We Should Seek (Part 3)
Seek Peace
“We’d love to bring our Level-Up Conference to Baja, California.”
I was on Messenger, chatting with a pastor friend from Ensenada about the possibility of taking a team of bilingual evangelists and inspirational speakers to stage an event at his church. After I typed those words, I thought, What am I doing? How would we pay for all that airfare? I’ll need an interpreter!
It was like an out-of-body experience. But here’s what I know. If this is of God, he’ll provide the way and the funds. It’s taken me a long to get here but I have peace that “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). I don’t fret about the mountain of details anymore. What about you?
Peace is a trademark of Christianity but believers often lack this attribute of the faith. That’s why it’s important to be proactive in seeking the peace of God. Psalm 34:14 says, “Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.”
The peace of God is beyond our understanding. It’s when we have peace despite the bad diagnosis. It’s the calmness in our soul when a family member has gone down the wrong path. Peace when the marriage turns upside down, knowing that the Lord can work miracles, if He chooses. We have to trust God in our scenarios because we know that with God all things are possible. Our peace during trials is a witness to others who long for peace.
So how do we find the peace of God in our lives?
The Bible is clear about the pathway to peace.
We must first acknowledge that peace is a blessing from God (Psalm 29:11). It is a gift that we only receive when we believe in the One and only Creator of the universe. We acknowledge His rightful position in our lives as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
We realize God is the only one who can give us peace. Peace is not something we can wish upon our lives or redeem from a vending machine. Psalm 4:8 says, “I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” It’s a byproduct available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to 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).
When we don’t have peace about a situation, then perhaps it is not God’s will for our life. Our heavenly Father is a God of clarity. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace…” I’ve often walked away from opportunities when I have not felt peace about them.
We only have peace when our goal is to live a righteous life according to the Word of God. How many times have you known that what you are participating in is a sin but you keep doing it? There is not peace in that. Instead, inner turmoil reigns and the stress shortens your life. Proverbs 3:1–2 says “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring peace and prosperity”
We are called to seek peace in our relationships. Have you ever known someone who enjoys “stirring the pot?” Or someone who’s held a grudge against a family member for what seems like a lifetime? That is not of God. Instead we should understand that pursuing peace in our families and friendships is a calling beyond our capability, yet doable through the power of the Holy Spirit. “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18).
It’s possible to have peace in every situation. That may seem far-fetched but Colossians 3:15 says the peace of God can rule in our hearts. The apostle Paul knew the infiltrating nature of peace. When praying for the Thessalonians, he said “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
We have been given a blueprint for peace through the Word of God. When angst and confusion take over, claim the promises about peace in the Bible. Seek peace. It’s a download available to all who believe.