Christian Education Pre-K-12
Richmond Academy

Peace means “harmony between one another deep inside.” Webster’s 1828 Dictionary says “to temper the mind; calmness; quiet conscience; free from fear; reconciliation; to keep silent.”

Deep inner peace inside can only come by being in harmony with the creator. “Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.” (Jer 33:6) This is now available through Jesus Christ. But we won’t have it unless we “follow after the things that make for peace” (Rom.14:19).

If we want this, are we willing to pay the price over a period of time to learn to apply Father’s instructions for inner peace around others? These truths can only come through spiritual discernment.

Job 22:21-22 (KJV) “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. ²²Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.” Find relationship with God, receive His Words, and inner peace will come. If we don’t reject the carnal inclinations, we won’t have peace.

Instead of fulfilling our responsibilities, we seek to find relief through things – hobbies, get-aways. We are the first generation that has so much to offer carnally. As long as these things don’t take precedence over God, they are acceptable. But the more worldly things that take up our time, the less peace we will come into.

The world is trying to find ways to wipe out of our minds that which disturbs us. There is more money spent on recreation and social satisfaction than on Godliness. And now we are beginning to reap the consequences of a lack of peace.

The Lord did not design us to be satisfied in our natural senses: “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.” (Ecc.1:8) External relief is temporary. Turn away from the external pleasures, and find eternal peace and quietness by the Spirit. (Rom 12:2 & Isa 59:8). The world’s peace is dependent upon eliminating problems. The peace of God doesn’t change no matter what the problem.

External peace is fragile. Whether reports, news, or movies, all disturb us. All external peace is at the mercy of change and chance. It is a life full of problems. It is hollow. The peace of God sustains us through the valley of the shadow of death. (Rom.8:6) “To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

THERE IS NO WAY TO HAVE THE PEACE OF GOD UNTIL WE FIRST HAVE PEACE WITH GOD. This is why so many in the church are difficult to deal with. They want what they want carnally before they develop spiritually. The scriptures teach those who do not live a repentant life cannot receive the peace of God. (Isaiah 57:20-21) wicked = unrighteous = those who do not walk in right standing with God. Peace = one with God; at rest. Adam’s first experience of unrighteousness was “I was afraid…” He lost his peace!

Romans 5:1 (KJV) “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” True faith will be known by the peace you experience. Jesus restored peace with us that Adam gave up. Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace” because His peace will never end if we live in his righteousness (Isa. 32:17).

The reason most Christians do not experience and enjoy this peace is because they are filled with tension, anxiety and stress. They are easily moved by circumstances, and they don't follow the book on righteousness.

PEACE WITH GOD and PEACE OF GOD are different. We receive the peace of God daily to the degree that we follow the instructions of His Word.

John 14:27 (KJV) “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” “Let” means “choose peace or fear”! Fill your soul with life or death.

Colossians 3:15 (KJV) “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” “Rule” means “umpire” or “control”

Colossians 3:16 (KJV) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” The overflow of peace will be songs given by the Holy Spirit according to the Word. God has provided the avenue to keep us in perfect peace. Let the cry of every believer be “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” (Psa 104:33)

Peace = calmness “Be still and know that I am God.” Psa 46:10 CALMNESS!

“But let the hidden man of the heart be of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price.” (1 Pet.3:4)

The enemy comes to rob you of your peace. It happens because we don’t trust Him. We have not grown up in His truth. The enemy doesn’t want you to take the land or your inheritance. “the meek shall inherit the earth: and they shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psa. 37:11)

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.” (Mat.11:29)

Don’t allow pride to rob you of peace. Pride says “I am in control.” Inner peace says “God is in control.” We think we need to be strong in times of turmoil, but the Lord wants to be strong and show us His salvation. What two things are required for Him to release His strength to us: “in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isa.30:15) To the degree that we remain at peace and put our trust in Him will He be strong in us.

God loves you so much that to save you, He will allow trials to come in order to make you totally depend on Him. As we learn to be calm and quiet, we will mount up with wings as eagles and renew our strength, able to run this race with confidence and strength.

God is calling us to peace, especially with one another, and it is Great Peace!

February Newsletter 2001 | Great Peace | Mind Your Own Business - part 1 of 2

Pastor's Journal February 2000 | Sow In Humility, Reap In Holiness | Inside-Out & Upside-Down - part 2 of 3

Biblical Counseling for Leaders

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Last modified: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 .