The promise, provision and prescription for God’s peace
Finding peace in the midst of crisis, concern and chaos is an area where Christians should be thinking differently than the world and our carnal mind would prescribe. Consequently, we are living in a window of time which offers a great opportunity for the renewing of our minds (and the transformation that will create).
With that in mind (no pun intended), I would like to share the promise, provision and way of peace for every child of God. It starts with the prophecy of His coming.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed. ~Isaiah 53:5
This much quoted verse contains something I had not noticed until recently. Not only was the Messiah to be wounded, bruised and scourged, but he was also promised as the chastisement for our peace.He took on the Father’s correction, reproof, and rebuke) that we might have peace with Him.
The LORD God is faithful and trustworthy. He is almighty—able to do all that He says. He keeps His promises. That includes the provision of His peace.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ~Romans 5:1-2
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. ~Colossians 1:19-20
It is important to note that the eternal peace we have with God is the provision for our peace in the storms of this life. Maintaining this connection in your heart and mind will bring revelation and power to the peace of God, in the midst of our current tempest.
Now, the peace of the kingdom of God is found and emanates from our King. It is proportional to His authority. He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), so perfect peace is possible.
What we must come to understand is the equally proportional relationship between having that peace in our lives and our surrender and submission to the King’s authority. There is an overriding requisite for the peace that surpasses all understanding.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ~Colossians 3:15
Times of turmoil, crisis and chaos are created or allowed by God to help us align our allegiance to His Son. In doing so, we are then empowered for His peace in our hearts.
The recipe for God’s peace
God has made Jesus Christ our peace. He has also made a way for His children to find and live in the peace that surpasses all understanding.
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. ~Philippians 4:4-7
During a particularly stressful time in my life (a time that included daily panic attacks), the Holy Spirit introduced me to this passage, and trained me in its use as a recipe for peace and a weapon against the enemy. What Satan intended for evil, God turned to my good.
Here is a general version of the resulting prayer.
Father in Heaven, I rejoice in Your presence. I rejoice in the promise of Your protection and peace in this circumstance! I surrender to the expression of Your gentleness to everyone involved – even those that appear to be my enemies. I know You are with me in every trial and tribulation. By Your grace, I refuse to be anxious. Thank You for this opportunity to experience and prove Your love. I pray for Your protection and guidance in this situation. I will not be able to persevere without You. I desperately need You. I receive Your peace and I rest in Your protection, through Your Son; in whose name I pray. Amen.
Be as specific as you can in your prayer. Pray with the mind of Christ—full of faith and humility. The peace of God will bear witness of His trustworthiness to those in your spheres of influence.
They will be encouraged and comforted in your peace. They will be drawn to Him.
Photo source: istock
 | Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More » |
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