We Must Choose Peace

 

By Andrea Merrell

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7 NKJV

 

As someone who lived a large portion of my life in fear, I have come to realize the importance of peace—God’s peace. The peace that surpasses human comprehension.

Peace is a gift for the believer. God gives us a covenant of peace (Numbers 25:12). But this gift, this covenant, has enemies: Fear. Doubt, Worry. Anxiety. Stress. Chaos. When these enemies take over, it’s hard to think. Hard to breathe. Hard to pray.

One writer suggests that when problems arise, we need to take a deep breath, focus our mind and heart on the Lord, and allow His peace to flow through us. This gift is always available, but we must choose it.

Jesus said:

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] (John 14:27 AMPC).

That tells us we have options.

In spite of everything the apostle Paul suffered, he said:

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. (Colossians 3:15 AMPC).

Don’t allow fear and anxiety to keep your mind and heart in turmoil. 

Today … choose peace.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and tuelekza.)