“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
The fifth word in our life plan is “peace”. This verse tells you how to get it – and teaches an important principle. Paul didn’t just say “do what I say” – he said “do what I do” … Can you say that? That is your target, because obedience produces peace.
Peace is not the absence of difficulty – We need more than that …Mark Twain said “I am an old man and have known many troubles. Most of which never happened.” His point was that even without difficulties we destroy peace with anxiety and worry.
Peace is not a natural characteristic; it must be acquired. That’s problematic since it is what we need most. Peace is the golden ring of life. It is what we all want when our head hits the pillow at night.
The world constantly offers peace, but never delivers. Men chase money, drugs, sex, fame…all in a futile attempt to find serenity but there is no source for it on earth.
The God of peace is its only resource. Psalms says: “He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.” This beautifully illustrates the contentment and tranquility of a lamb that is guarded by The Shepherd…. That is peace, and whether you are aware of it or not – it is the thing you desire most.
But how do you get it?
This verse says to obey the gospel…put it into practice. Seek faith, love, wisdom, and courage - and the God of peace will BE WITH YOU.
It’s a lifestyle…a state of calmness that comes from a relationship with your creator. Not the absence of trouble but the presence of God. Which makes peace not a fragile condition dependent on circumstances, but a permanent state dependent on the power of The Almighty. That is why we can have peace even when we don’t understand…because it is not based on us but on God.
Persistently obey His Word. Choose faith over fear - and rest in the green pastures and still waters that the presence of your loving Shepherd provides.
“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.” - C.S. Lewis
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