God's Perfect Peace

There is so much devastating news coming through the media every day now. How can we find peace in such turmoil?

How We Can Obtain This Peace

True spiritual peace comes with knowing that our heav­enly Father is continually with us—and indeed He is! God is omnipresent and therefore fully aware of every detail of our life at every moment and in every place. He knows our needs at all times and in every situation. As Psalm 139:7-12 teaches, we can never be anyplace, from the heights of heaven to the depths of the sea, where God is not present with us and available to us. The key to our peace is not the absence of conflict, but it is the presence of God no matter what the conflict.

Peace also comes with acknowledging that God will supply our every need as well as acknowledging His con­stant presence. The scriptures are filled with His promises that He is sufficient to face the circumstances challenge our peace.

Philippians 4:19 tells us, “God [will] supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

God is In the Storm

Can you imagine having perfect peace when the sirens are signaling a storm or when you’re waiting to get a loved one's report from the doctor? That, my friend, is the kind of peace God makes available to you and me for the storms of life. Many people think of peace as the absence of problems, as the feeling that is experienced when all is well. But the peace of the Lord is not related to circumstances at all. In fact, God’s peace comes to us and endures…regardless of life’s circumstances.

Remember these truths about the peace of our Lord:

• Our peace has nothing to do with daily challenges or crises, and everything to do with knowing that our times are in God’s hands.
• Our peace has nothing to do with the conditions of our life, and everything to do with knowing that God is all-sufficient.
• Our peace is an inward repose and serenity of soul that indicates a heart at rest — regardless of our cir­cumstances—as we place complete confidence in God minute by minute.

Take time to thank God today for His presence with us in all of life’s trials.

RESPOND:

Thank You, Lord, for Your constant presence during life’s storms and trials. Thank You for Your peace. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In Relying on the Power of the Spirit: Actsby Elizabeth George, you can read about living in the Holy Spirit’s power.

REFLECT:

How can you change your focus from your trials and onto God’s presence? Take time to write down the ways you see God working in your life during difficult times.

REMEMBER:

God is always with us.