God’s Promise of Peace
Has peace ever felt unreachable? Have the trials of this season caused you to wonder how you can ever find peace? Then join us below as we discover how one of the many promises of God, peace, can fill us up!
Promises of the Word:
From the first words of Genesis to the last of Revelation, God’s promises are written. Many of them we know—at least partly—yet, by examining God’s Word, we discover that they are more numerous and wonderful than we could ever imagine!
“In Jesus we hear a resounding ‘yes’ to all of God’s many promises. This is the reason we say ‘Amen’ to and through Jesus when giving glory to God.”—2 Corinthians 1:20 (VOICE)
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”—Numbers 23:19
Every one of God’s promises is firm, and through Him, we have a right to access them. However, to do so, it is important that we understand what those promises mean…
The Peace of God:
“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:7
God’s peace surpasses ALL understanding. This is fact… written down and immortalized through sermons, wall hangings, and IQuotes (inspirational quotes with images behind them). And yet, how deep is this belief within us? And what comes before Philippians 4:7 that might alter its meaning?
Well, Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
“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.”
Apparently, when we read the full text, a few things bring about the peace of God…
Firstly, we are meant to rejoice. This places us in the right mindset to move forward, and indeed, it is where peace can first discover purpose in our lives.
When we rejoice, we are turning our faces to God. We are choosing to praise and worship instead of wallowing in whatever quagmire is trying to bring us down…
After this, we are meant to display our gentleness to all. Now, this can be interpreted in many ways. However, one which prepares us for peace is not losing our temper or rushing around in panic. It is choosing to be in a state that welcomes God’s peace, even when things are going wrong. It is the visible difference between someone who has fellowship and relationship with God versus someone who does not… the thing that causes those who do not know God to wonder how we are so steady when faced with trials.
Tied to this is the next part of the verse that says we are to be anxious for nothing. Just as Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble,” we are not meant to worry about what is ahead, nor be anxious. By allowing anxiety or worry in, we essentially view ourselves or the enemy as god, instead of God…
God is perfect, without flaw, and He has the power to control everything. Yes, as the next step says, we are to pray and make supplication—with thanksgiving—but ultimately, God is in control. Not because He has not given us power, but because as those who follow after Him, we trust His will over our own. Anxiety is telling God that despite our praise, our worship, our prayers, etc., we somehow think that He might not know best, or might not hear us.
God sees and hears everything. He knows what is right and perfect. Spiritual warfare serves a vital purpose but allowing anxiety—which is nearly the opposite of the warfare of prayer and supplication—to gain a place in our lives means that we are laying God’s perfection in the mud of uncertainty.
But it does not have to be this way!
When we rejoice, when we are gentle, when we disallow anxiety and allow prayer and supplication in, being thankful in all things… we find God’s perfect peace! Yes, God gives us a measure of peace in all circumstances, as this is tied to our measure of faith that allows us to accept His peace… but we can still choose to ignore it. We can choose to put things before God…
Yet, when God’s peace comes—when we give it a place in our hearts and minds—it is beyond earthly understanding.
“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.”—John 14:27
The enemy does not want us to possess the peace of God, because it means we will not listen to the whispers of fear or anger that he tries to spread, but to God’s love. It means that we have grabbed hold of God’s grace, which is poured out through love. Tie that to the faith God has given us, and the enemy has no purpose. Worries that once drowned out the voice of the Holy Spirit inside of us are silenced, leaving us with direct access to God and His perfect will!
There is a reason His “peace” is part of the Fruit of the Spirit…
God’s peace makes an impressive weapon.
Accepting God’s Promises:
No matter which promise or promises of God we need, it is important that we not only believe but accept each one. Not because His promises will be broken forever if we fail to properly believe or receive them, but because God does nothing against our will! Because God created each promise intentionally, knowing we would need them.
One promise alone holds more power than anyone can understand fully. Yet, the power that comes when we accept one on top of another, on top of another… that changes us. For the better. In His image, and for Kingdom purpose!
It is time that we activate and believe God’s promises… that we accept them and give them a place to reside. We have to open our hearts. We have to desire God’s promises if they are to flourish.
Yes, God will not leave us nor forsake us, even if we forsake Him… but do we honestly expect Him to move in power if we say, “no”? By opening our hearts, changing our habits and patterns to create an atmosphere for Him, and seeking Him and His Kingdom first, we can say, “yes”!
If we are willing to seek God, He will come. He will answer. And all of His promises will be ready to rest and flow through us!
If YOU would like to learn about the power of God’s peace, then click HERE!
If YOU would like to discover how coming together as a threefold cord can release the glory of God on earth, then click HERE!
If YOU would like to find new ways to bring God’s hope and love to others, then click HERE!
If YOU would like to uncover more about YOUR Godly strength, then click HERE!