Peace is something we crave as believers.  “I only need a moments peace” or “Give me a little peace, please.”  Asking for peace from others is not always assured, but asking God for peace is a sure thing.  James tells us “You do not have because you do not ask.” (James 4:2b)  Jesus told his disciples in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.

So how do I get this peace Jesus wants to give to me?  One step is to seek peace.  Psalm 34:14 says “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”   Do you seek peace in your life?  Do you strive to end quarrels and fights by being a peacemaker?  Is living in harmony with others important enough to you to pursue it?

Another step is to look into God’s Word.  Psalm 119:165 says”Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”  God’s word will lead and show us how to live in peace with others.  A side benefit is that we are then assured that we are sure footed and not prone to stumble over worldly pursuits and circumstances.  Isaiah 26:3 also talks about God’s word in regard to peace.  I love this verse and claim it in my life. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”  Are you experiencing the steadfastness of God’s peace in your life?  Are you walking each day trusting in God to provide and lead you?

The last step I want to mention is that we need to let go of our anxieties and things that are causing us to be unsettled or discontent within ourselves.  Philippians 4:6-7 hits this right on the mark “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Let go of your problems and stop trying to solve everything yourself.  Step into God’s care and let Him comfort and care for you.   Remember, God is greater than anything we can ever face.

I pray that you will be able to apply one of these steps to your life this week and receive the peace Jesus wants to give you.  Remember: seek peace, look into God’s word and give your anxieties to God.  Then as promised He will give you peace.  Psalm 29:11 “The Lord give strength to his people, the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

Blessings of peace, shalom, to you,

Linda