“Do
not fret— it only causes harm.” – Psalm 37:8
Our new life and our capacity to live it is nothing that we have or could have conjured. Our new life is totally dependent upon the Spirit of God, the exercising of faith and obedience to the will and ways of God the Father through Jesus the Son. Peace, a fruit of the Spirit, manifests itself in spite of the circumstances we find ourselves in. We do not find peace in the absence of trouble, but in spite of it. Where does peace like that come from? It comes from our relationship with Jesus by the Spirit.
“Peace I [Jesus] leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
The peace the world gives is dependent upon the absence conflict. The peace, the supernatural peace that Jesus offers, is peace in spite of the conflict.
The enemy of peace is worry. Worry comes on stage when we change our focus from the spiritual to the natural. Some people look for opportunities to worry. If a reason is not present they are certain that it is on its way! And they are right. Life is full of uncertainties and disappointments. Sometimes because of what others do, sometimes because of the consequences of our own actions, and sometimes merely because we live on this planet. Being a Christian does not make you trouble proof. But no matter the source of the worry, it is possible to find peace in the midst of our trouble. You must stop depending upon yourself and better circumstances and trust in the Lord.
“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.” – Philippians 4:5-7
“It Is Well With My Soul”
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blessed assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.”
Our new life and our capacity to live it is nothing that we have or could have conjured. Our new life is totally dependent upon the Spirit of God, the exercising of faith and obedience to the will and ways of God the Father through Jesus the Son. Peace, a fruit of the Spirit, manifests itself in spite of the circumstances we find ourselves in. We do not find peace in the absence of trouble, but in spite of it. Where does peace like that come from? It comes from our relationship with Jesus by the Spirit.
“Peace I [Jesus] leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
The peace the world gives is dependent upon the absence conflict. The peace, the supernatural peace that Jesus offers, is peace in spite of the conflict.
The enemy of peace is worry. Worry comes on stage when we change our focus from the spiritual to the natural. Some people look for opportunities to worry. If a reason is not present they are certain that it is on its way! And they are right. Life is full of uncertainties and disappointments. Sometimes because of what others do, sometimes because of the consequences of our own actions, and sometimes merely because we live on this planet. Being a Christian does not make you trouble proof. But no matter the source of the worry, it is possible to find peace in the midst of our trouble. You must stop depending upon yourself and better circumstances and trust in the Lord.
“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.” – Philippians 4:5-7
“It Is Well With My Soul”
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blessed assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.”
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