Pursuing Peace

Hello Saints, in this world we are bombarded with so many things around us that we
can build up a lot of anxiety and worry. Our world is experiencing more and more unrest.
Wars, political and governmental in fighting, the economy, drugs, crime, and even
personal, community, and family issues can disrupt our lives in many ways. We can
develop fears, lose sleep, lose or gain weight and even our faith can take a hit. So, let’s
look at how can we calm our spirits and develop a sense of peace as we live in this world
Peace can be understood in various ways:

1. Freedom from Disturbance: This refers to a state of tranquility and calmness, where
there is no noise or agitation.
2. Mental Calm: Peace of mind, where one experiences mental and emotional calmness,
free from stress or anxiety.
3. Absence of War: In a broader societal context, peace is the absence of conflict or war
between nations or groups .
4. Harmony in Relationships: Peace can also mean harmonious relationships, where
there is mutual respect and understanding .

There is one way to achieve all of these. Isaiah 26: 3 says…. “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

Understanding who God is and trusting in Him is the way to stay calm in the midst of
all that’s going on in and around our lives. He is our “Prince of Peace”. Trusting in Christ
with our whole hearts and leaning to our own understanding is a must (Proverbs 3:5)
Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the
world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” We
should have a sense of calmness in us that gives us the confidence and assurance that God is in control. That He will keep and protect us. The peace that Jesus is talking about is
calmness and stillness in your heart. Not in the absence of troubles, but it exists in spite
of troubles. This peace pushes through all the disturbing circumstances that life can throw
at you. It gives you the ability to endure and be calm even in the face of extreme turmoil.
This peace doesn’t eliminate conflict or trouble, but gives you the ability to endure
through it. Paul outlined the secret of obtaining this lasting peace that Jesus has given us
access to: 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.”

So, Saints, as you’re “living”, there will be moments of anxiety, worry, nervousness,
and fear. The path to receiving this peace comes from giving every situation to God in
prayer. When you do this, God’s peace fills your heart and mind and blocks out the
anxiety in your life. Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every
way. The Lord be with you all. II Thessalonians 3:16

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the peace you bring to my life. Help me to continue to place my
focus and trust in you. Knowing that I’m in your loving arms brings me peace. Amen.
By Min. Arnell Carter