Experience God’s Peace
As we grow in Christ, it’s important to recognise and embrace the life of peace that is part of our divine inheritance through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Having grown up in environments lacking peace, and even as a woman navigating societal messages that can encourage unpeaceful and catty relationships between girls, or experiencing overly competitive workspaces, I can attest that nothing compares to accepting God’s peace for your life and personal environment.
What is God’s peace? Let’s analyse –
Isaiah 26:3: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee.”
The original Hebrew word for “peace” here is shalom, which encompasses completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace with prosperity, tranquility, and contentment.
This is God’s desire for each of us. So, how do we apply it?
Firstly, we cannot have peace without the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ. The initial step is to receive Jesus Christ into your life (a prayer for this is available on this platform).
Secondly, we need to katalambano – the Greek word for seizing, grasping, and taking hold of – God’s word concerning peace. This means actively claiming peace in your heart, home, city, and relationships. Find scriptures in God’s word that speak about peace and use them in prayer, making declarations such as, “I am a peacemaker and I live in peace with everyone,” or “God keeps me in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on Him.”
Thirdly, be intentional about your internal peaceful environment. Consciously set boundaries in your life and prevent the chaotic external world from disrupting your inner peace.
Let God’s word on peace guide you, even when it feels uncomfortable and calls you to be the bigger person. Reflect on the following three scriptures to gain wisdom and know how to act when peace is needed.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice; strive for full restoration; encourage one another; be of one mind; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you