The Life of Peace

May 4, 2021

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

When we receive Jesus’ sacrifice for us and have peace with God, the potential for our lives totally changes. I say potential because it’s not automatic. Think of it this way. A billionaire could write me a check for $1 million dollars to be withdrawn at $20,000 monthly. I could hold that check in my hand and be very grateful for it, but unless and until I acted on it and deposited the check, then went to the bank monthly to withdraw the $20,000, it would make no practical difference in my life. I could say I have a million dollars, but it isn’t changing anything of value to me.

God wants our lives to experience a monumental difference when our positional relationship of peace is restored. But we must follow through with walking in the Spirit in order to experience the practical implications of this peace in our daily lives. Paul was writing from a jail to his Philippian friends where he was unjustly imprisoned, had his rights suspended, and was missing his friends and family. In this cramped little cell he wrote a letter that over the centuries has been distinguished by its peace and joy. That’s because he followed the way of living that he prescribed to his friends.

Don’t worry about anything. Release all your anxiety to God. Remember that He is your Father and cares for you.

Pray about everything. Thank Him for everything He has done for you. Gratitude shapes your life in a powerful way toward peace. Tell Him what you need for this moment.

Live in Christ Jesus. Know His words and His way and follow that way. Matthew records Jesus’ story of the wise and foolish builders in 7:24-27. Jesus said that when we follow His teachings and build our lives on what He said, we are building on a strong foundation. Storms will rage, winds will blow, but we will be able to stand strong. We will “experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

• Peace is lived out as I “live in Christ Jesus,” which means I follow Him and His teachings. Where can I follow Him to peace?