PEACE : How to maintain peace in trials. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” John 14:27 Just because we’ve been translated from the kingdom of darkness, into the kingdom of light, does not mean that we are free from trouble. For as long as you are in this world, you will have trouble. Life is a mixture of the good and the bad. It’s like two rails on a railroad track; parallel to the good that you experience you will experience trouble. No matter how good things are working in your life, there will always be a trial or difficulty that you will have to work through. Whether you are enjoying the good or experiencing the bad, never defocus from your purpose. Every human being faces similar tests, trials, frustrations and troubles. The apostle Paul calls them common to mankind. But our attitude in these trying times will determine our victory. Our greatest battles are not without but within. Jesus, our Rabbi, is the most profound teacher on the subject. In John 16:33 He says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Jesus is the prince of peace therefore He can confidently state, that in Him, you will have peace. Peace is security and strength in the midst of trouble or turmoil. In other words, Jesus is saying peace comes from the words I have spoken to you. Your strength and fortitude is drawn from the Word of God. There are two systems that rule in this world, the WORLD system and the WORD system. Jesus has overcome the world and the systems of the world by the Word system. He encourages us to do the same. However, we neglect the word of God in our lives, which is the key to overcoming the world. Jesus says,“Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” There is no reason for us to be walking around depressed, discouraged, carrying regrets and loads of care and trouble. Jesus admonishes us to be of good cheer, be joyful, I have overcome the issues that pertain to the systems of this world. Jesus has sent us the Comforter and given us His word. Some have lost the joy of their salvation. Remember, problems and trouble will always come – never lose your joy and always keep your peace. Jesus said, “Let no man steal your joy.” The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Neh. 8:10) A troubled person sees trouble. The devil sends trouble, but it’s your responsibility to maintain your peace in the midst of it. If we learn to submit to God’s word and resist the devil, he will flee from us. In John 14:1, Jesus said, “Let not you heart be troubled …” Jesus was mindful that trouble was sure to come our way. If only we could run to the Word for comfort and refuge in times of trouble we will be able to overcome and maintain our peace. It’s a deliberate choice we have to make. People get depressed and oppressed because their heart is troubled. It’s my decision to choose to be troubled or not. The apostle Paul writing to the Philippian Church says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything in 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 Jesus Christ.” After you’ve prayed, let the peace of God “KEEP” your heart. Being rooted in the word of God, keeps you from alarm; emotional, psychological and physical injury. It will help you relax and be at peace. So keep the safety belt of the Word on, at all times. What is Peace? - A state of rest (when you rest from something, you cease from labour) - A calm resolve - A state of harmony - Security in the midst of turmoil Peace is a Spiritual Force Peace is a fruit of the Spirit and has been sown into our recreated spirit as a seed. Galatians 5:22-23 enumerates the character and virtue of the Spirit. The apostle Paul also states, “Against peace there is no law.” According to Roman’s 8:2, “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death. Here, we find two opposing laws. Trouble operates under the law of sin and death but peace operates under the law of life in Christ Jesus. In essence what Paul is saying, when you operate in this peace there is no law in the world system that can stop peace from doing what God has promised. No law of sin and death can stand in its way. “Peace has set us free from trouble.” “Great peace, have they who love my Word and nothing shall offend them.” Or “nothing shall cause them to stumble". [Psalm 119:165]. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee [Isaiah 26:3] In both these scriptures we see fundamental truths: You must love God’s word and develop roots in it, so that you can enjoy its fruit. Offences will always come, but when you are established, grounded and rooted in the Word, you won’t stumble. Your mind has to be fixed [stayed] in God’s word. No word, no peace, no word, no joy. When you discipline your mind to stay in the word of God you are in a position to overcome trouble. The psalmist David places a high value on peace, when he says, “seek peace and pursue it.” [Psalm 34:14]. The amplified version says, “Seek, inquire for, crave peace, pursue it, and go after it.” Finding peace is an action on our behalf. If you don’t have peace, it’s obvious there’s a war going on inside of you. The enemy is bombarding your mind. Your mind is where your battles are won or lost. Deal with what’s troubling, affecting, offending or hurting you – by focusing on the Word. Read, meditate, memorize, mull over and muster it. If you are looking for peace anywhere except the Word you’re looking in the wrong places. Satan will try to steal the Word or distract you from going to the Word. When you are anchored in peace, you will be able to stand your ground and challenge your enemy. If your enemy senses that you are weak and in turmoil he will not relent. Be on your guard at all times and equip yourself with the Word. Many people lose their peace when they allow themselves to worry about things that may happen. They place undue pressure on themselves. They become anxious based on presumptuous thinking. What a waste of time and energy. The Covenant of Peace God initiated a covenant of peace with us. He made peace through His sacrifice on the cross. “For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” [Isaiah 54:10] I am guaranteed security in the midst of turmoil, because God swore an oath in blood to give me His peace. When God swore to Abraham, He swore to Himself. There is no greater one than Himself to whom He vowed. It’s a settled issue. God and His Word are one. Don’t ever let the enemy steal your peace. Learn to be spiritually minded. Romans 8:6 says, “To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” To be spiritually minded, is to be Word minded. Any thought or mindset, void of the Word is carnality. A spiritual mind possesses life and peace. Seek peace and pursue it. God bless you All...
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 13:34:34 +0000
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