In our world today peace, both on a global stage and in our own personal lives, is often very elusive. With the Russia/Ukraine war in full bloom world peace has certainly been shattered. And on a personal level most people toss and turn at bedtime and live with worry and anxiety during the day; and as a result, peace is often forfeited by the cares of life. But the good news is that we can experience peace of mind no matter what is going on outside of us.
For you see peace is not dependent on the circumstances around us but on the choices we make on how we react to these circumstances. I believe that (Proverbs 3:1-2) is the key to living a life in total peace. For we read: “My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” The great secret of living a life of total peace is to obey the Word of God and hide it in our hearts.
When we obey God’s Word we find that one, God is well pleased with our behavior, two, God will strongly support us through the trials of life, three, God will give us all the resources we need to combat anxiety and worry, and four, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).
Thus, obedience to the law of God is the great antidote to worry, anxiety, and stress. And the more we follow in the footsteps of Jesus not only will we live a life of true peace, but we will accrue many additional blessings on our walk with the Lord.
For one (Proverbs 3:2) tells us that we will experience a long life. The more peace we have the less stress we will have to deal with and since stress is probably the number one cause of a shorter lifespan, a peaceful heart means added years of life. A second wonderful benefit can be found in (Proverbs 3:3-4): “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” By being obedient to the Lord we will show love and compassion to those around us and in return we will find favor and a good name in the sight of both God and man.
My friends the truth is that obedience to God is the pathway to true peace, abundant joy, a longer life, and countless other blessings. The Christian life is not an easy life but I have found in my walk with the Lord that the more I obey and submit to Jesus the more peace floods my soul. Someone once said:
No Jesus – no peace
Know Jesus – know peace!