November 7, 2022

As we approach the coming election day in the United States, let us give thanks and remember God’s peace.

Colossians 3:15  “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

God desires us to live with His peace in our hearts. His peace grounds us and helps to keep us focused on His purpose. As believers, we are to live in peace with one another, because we are unified by His spirit. God dwells within us and will guide us as we seek to live for Him.

Why don’t we have peace if that is what God has for us in Christ? James tell us in James 4:2b-3 “You do not have because you do not ask God. ³ When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Are you craving peace but not asking or are you asking with selfish motives? Jesus told us in John 14:27 “Peace I 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.” We are to not let fear or troubles get in our way as Jesus has peace for us. Are you letting the world’s pressures or troubles stand in your way of having God’s peace? Seek Jesus, talk to Him in prayer and ask Him for the peace He has for you. Claim God’s promise of peace from John 14:27 and Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

A truth to claim with thanksgiving: I have peace with God. What we can be assured of is that peace is ours through Christ and is always attainable.  Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I 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.”  The peace Jesus gives is not worldly calm and freedom from activity,  but a peace that will satisfy our souls.  It is the peace the pervades us even when the world is swirling around us.  Paul describes this peace in Romans 5:1-2  “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”   Paul assures us that the peace we have though Christ brings us into relationship with God, is filled with His grace,  and it will purposefully sustain us no matter what else is happening in our lives.

Praise God for His peace and that we can experience it today!

Linda