Finding Peace in God's Promises

God is The Source of Peace

There is so much uncertainty and turmoil in this world today and finding peace can often feel almost impossible. For believers, however, peace is not just a distant hope but a promise from God Himself. According to Philippians 4:7 (NIV), 'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' The Hebrew word for peace is shalom and it means to be made perfect, it speaks to wholeness. The peace of God is peace that guards our hearts and mind just like how a military person stand guard to protect us from stress, anxiety, worry and fear that even in turmoil, tests and trials believers are able to smile, rejoice, pray and praise through it. In today's society people use the word "peace" as a greeting but real peace comes from knowing Jesus and being confident in his promises. His peace is perfect, free from worry, it does not overwhelm nor does it cause chaos. Jesus said "Peace I leave with you, peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid. John 14:27. The peace of God will cause you to be calm in every circumstances and give you courage and strength for every challenge.

God's commitment to providing peace to His people is evident in his word. One such verse is found in Isaiah 26:3 (AMP): 'You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast because they trust in you.' This means our minds and eyes must be fixed on him by reading and meditating on his word so that we can develop trust in him. When our disposition is on Jesus, he gives the believers peace that even the enemy is not able to comprehend. When we are fixated on Jesus there is no room for doublemindedness. James 1:6

Biblical Examples of Peace

Spending time in the word of God brings peace and this is evident in the life of King David. Throughout the Psalms, David often expressed his distress, yet he continually found peace in God's promises. In Psalm 23:4 (NIV), he affirms, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.' In though David was perils and he was in a situation that seemed threatening he was confident in the Shepherd of all shepherds who ensured that he was protected and gave him direction. David was not worried but demonstrated peace in knowing that God is his Shepherd. David's reliance on God's presence and guidance enabled him to find his way through life's trials with confidence and peace.

Practical Ways to Experience God's Peace

Experiencing God's peace in our daily lives requires intentionality and faith. Here are some practical ways to experience God's divine peace:

• Prayer: Consistent and earnest prayer helps to bring our anxieties before God, allowing His peace to replace our worries. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything, every circumstances and situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving continue to make your specific requests known to God.(Philippians 4:6-7). Fretting and worrying indicates a lack of trust in God's wisdom, His sovereignty and his power .

• Meditate the word: Regularly reading and reflecting on God's promises can cause our faith to grow and calm our minds. Verses such as Psalm 119:165 (NIV), 'Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble,' can serve as daily reminders of God's unwavering peace.

• Fellowship with Believers: Engaging with a community of faith can provide encouragement, support, and a shared sense of God's peace. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) encourages us not to 'give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.'

• Trust in God's Plan: Remembering that God has a plan for us, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), 'For I know the plans I have for you,' helps to put our lives in perspective and enables us to surrender our fears and uncertainties to Him.

God's peace isn't a one-time event but a continuous promise. When believers spend time to read and meditate the word of God, they are relying on scripture, to strengthen their faith. Drawing inspiration from people in the Bible , and living a life of faith in our everyday lives, will cause believers to experience the perfect peace that only God can provide. Shalom!