Peace Be with You

May 8th, 2024

If it were up to some of us, we’d find a corner of the world to escape to and linger there forever in what we think would be peace away from the saints. Only thing is that we would drive ourselves crazy, because that kind of peace is pseudo peace. This week our Devotional Team takes you on a journey of encouragement. Join us for “Peace Among the Saints” and be encouraged with this week’s scriptures and devotionals!

SCRIPTURE: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 NASB
SCRIPTURE: “I, therefore, the prisoner [ of the Lord, [ beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called…” Ephesians 4:1

Peace is a commodity to which all should have access. Peace is the ability to let things roll off you like water off a duck’s back. Peace is the ability to say it is well with my soul despite the situation. Peace is a feeling of tranquility that shows itself in your life. When you have peace, you also live peaceably.

The Bible tells us:

to be slow to anger (Psalm 86:15), to live peaceable with others (Romans 12:18),
that the peace of God cannot be removed from you (Isaiah 54:10)
the mind govern by the spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6)
to turn from evil and seek peace (Psalm 34:14)

Have you ever wondered how some people always seem at peace despite their situation or always seem to respond to people in a calm manner even when the situation calls for anger? Have you wondered how to count it all joy? Have you wanted to be able to confidently sing: “When peace like a river attended my way, when sorrow like see billows roll, whatever my lot, thou have taught me to say: It is well, it is well, with my soul”. Have you been amazed by the calmness, stillness, and complete tranquility some have when facing adversity? Has life continually thrown lemons at you and you wondered how can I get that peace that passes all understanding?
The Bible lays out the blueprint for peace in Philippians 4. We are told to:
1. Rejoice in the Lord always (v4)
2. Let your gentle spirit be known to ALL people (v5) (This one gets some with the word ALL)
3. Do not be anxious about anything, instead with prayer and earnest pleading and thanksgiving make your request known to God (v6)

If we do these things, then the peace of God which surpasses ALL understanding will GUARD your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Did you get that? The peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will keep your heart and mind. Insert a praise dance because out of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34), because the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, we don’t even know it (Jeremiah 17:9) but God knows it, because as a man thinks in his heart; so he is (Proverbs 23:7) but God can search the heart. When our minds stay on Christ we are kept in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). We are not to think of old things (Isaiah 43:18) and not to get too lofty (Romans 12:3 ), but instead yield to the Holy Spirit so that we may have peace. Lastly, we should think only on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy and the God of peace shall be with you (Philippians 4:8-11).

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want peace like a river. I want peace that passes all understanding. I want to be able to stand in the storm and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that You have me. I am so grateful for Your Word that guides me, Your Love that holds me, and Your Grace that forgives me. Thank you, Lord, for the peace that is available to me even when I decide not to accept it. Thank you, Lord for second chances and restoration. Thank You, for Your Son Christ Jesus who died for mankind and rose so we might live. In the matchless name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns