Finding Peace in the Storm

Introduction

I believe it would be safe to say, that our world lacks peace. It seems there is turmoil everywhere we turn. From the international all the way down to our personal lives. Internal turmoil is the norm for all too many, even those who profess faith in Christ. I believe we could say that strain and tension characterize our age.

We are all subject to this harmful nervous tension. There are those that in spite of tears and prayers and self-reproach there are some who seem unable to enter into the rest that remains to the people of God. This should not and need not be. The question then is this. Is there a solution to this problem? Yes! We need a fresh meeting with God, a fresh discovery of HIs endless resources, which will result in a radically changed testimony. We may find peace in the midst of the storm. Let us look at four keys to genuine peace.

Key #1 - A Peaceful Character - (v.5)

Our Moderation

Paul addresses the reason so many Christians lack peace. He uses one word “moderation.” It is the idea of behaving properly. The idea of being gentle. Our behavior does not determine our standing with God, but our standing with God ought to affect our behavior. Paul is saying that the reason we often have no peace is because our behavior conflicts with who we really are in Christ. Paul is telling us to live consistently with our faith and our standing.

Our Motivation

The Lord’s return. Paul says, “The Lord is at hand.” The return of Christ should give us pause to consider our behavior. What do we want to be caught doing when the Lord returns?

Key #2 - A Purposeful Prayer - (vv.6-7)

Believers seem prone to swing between extremes when it comes to prayer. Our prayers should not be a monologue but a dialogue between us and God. It is a time when we should listen.

The Believer’s Request - (v.6)

“Careful” means anxious or worried. Being anxious will not solve anything. Instead, it will only make matters worse as we worry and fret.

“Prayer” are those personal

“Supplications” - are our longings

Romans 8:15 “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

God’s Gracious Response - (v.6)

It is our minds that are under attack. Satan wants to discourage us in our minds. Paul tells us that God’s response is peace. The word “keep” means to “guard.” This peace is God’s own peace that He gives to us.

Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

Isaiah 26:3–4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:”

This promise is far better than simply promising to give us everything we ask for.

Hebrews 8:6 “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”

Key #3 - Proper Thoughts - (v.8)

Review Your Inventory

Think Truth - falsehoods and lies will surely bring turmoil to the heart and mind of any person. Truth has the opposite effect. Truth brings security and peace to one’s mind. The ultimate truth is God’s word.

Think Honesty - Honesty is the application of truth.

Think Just - Just means right. God is just and right in offering us salvation free, for He paid for it Himself. We certainly live in a day of many injustices, it is refreshing to set our minds on things that are just.

Think Pure - Purity, in a spiritual sense means to have faith untitled with doubt or hypocrisy.

Think Lovely - The quality that makes one favorable or acceptable as a friend.

Think Good Reports - We are so prone to gravitate towards “bad” reports. When was the last time we reported something “good” about someone or something?

Think Virtue - Honorable

Think Praise - We should always praise God for all He has done for us and accomplish through Christ.

Key #4 - Pointed Action - (v.9)

Paul, God’s Example

A walk of faith simply means living in accordance with the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. The result of this will be:

Peace, God’s Promise

We end with the God of peace. It is God’s desire that we have a true serenity in our journey through life, regardless of the circumstances. By allowing the very character of Christ to flow through us, with purposeful prayer and proper thoughts to encourage our walk we may truly have peace that passeth all understanding.