Peace

Introduction

How do you describe peace? How do you describe the feeling to know that you can depend on God no matter the situation. It’s a powerful feeling to understand that even in my failure I can depend on God. That is what provides me with a sense of peace. I know that the strength of God will never leave my side, I understand that His power is a sustainer for me but also a protection from my enemies. This is what peace, my friends is all about.

This peace should be a drawing power to want to be near God, this should promote us to want to trust in Him even more!

Ask yourself this question, what is peace? Peace defined is total well-being, prosperity, and security associated with God’s presence among his people. Furthermore we should understand that the peace of God is a gift. Even furthermore understand the evolution of peace peace was conditional upon Israel’s obedience. As we progress toward the sacrifice of Jesus Christ peace is understanding the blessing that Jesus is and our ability to know that no matter the trial or circumstance I can rejoice no matter the situation, I can remain faithful no matter the storm.

Prosperity of the Wicked Shouldn’t Take Your Peace

One of the most difficult conversations to have when someone is going through a tumultuous time is seeing people around them that are willingly disobedient yet prospering in life.

It’s frustrating, it’s devastating. As Christians it just does not make sense, here we are doing all we can to show our allegiance to God and life is just not working out.

So much so that the Psalmist exclaims in v. 2 and 3 that “my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped, for I was envious of the boastful when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

We have been doing everything we can and still struggling and here we are seeing people around us that are gloating in their debauchery and seemingly doing better than we are.

This is why eternity has to be a priority! This is why we cannot get to caught up on the temporary nature of life!

Psalms begins with a reminder that we should carry with us throughout life, “blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly”.

Peep game: Asaph begins this Psalm with God is good and ends it with it is good in verse 28. Where we have to find joy is in the fact that in the in between, it might not be good but when we are serving God, it’s going to end on a GOOD note!

James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

When we remember the power of God we can be assured that even though the in between is rough, I serve a God that can provide peace no matter the situation.

Worship Can Bring Me Peace

Psalm 73:15-17 “If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me— Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.”

One thing that we must understand is that the blessings of God are not based on transaction. Just because we do one good deed doesn’t mean our deeds work like a bi-weekly paycheck. Asaph transparently explains that his efforts of purity have only resulted in suffering. When we base our Christianity off of doing deeds only for blessings we find ourselves being treacherous to God. This is why we give up and end up quitting because our motives are misplaced rather than doing them because of what God has done for us.

This is why worship is so important, worship can be life’s turning point! If I am worshipping with a true heart I shift my paradigm from my own selfish motives to seeing life through the view point of God. What good is an easy life if it ends with an eternity of pain.

When I entered the sanctuary!

Friends Bring Permanent Peace not Temporary Satisfaction

Psalm 73:21-25 “Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.”

That feeling of conviction is what leads us to true peace, when I realize how selfish and foolish I have been toward God and I surrender to His will I can come to the realization that no matter what I need Him. When I realize I need God I can find peace no matter the situation.

“I am continually with You, you hold me by my right hand”

God is like any good father, it’s comforting to know that no matter the journey I have God walking with me no matter how dark valleys become or how treacherous the road may be! God will never leave me nor forsake me.

Psalm 33:11 “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations.”

The counsel of God transcends time and generations. The faith of our ancestors, the love and devotion of grandparents the Godly advice of parents is passed down through generations and that is what peace looks like.

No matter how much foolishness, thoughtlessness, or recklessness is in the world there is a God that gives a word of peace. The same words of Jesus in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”” still apply today!

The peacefulness I feel is the fact that no matter the issues in life, I have a God that will receive me to Glory if I stay the course.

There is nobody like the Lord, “whom have I in heaven but You”?

When we realize that, the second part of verse 25 becomes a reality rather than just wishful thinking. There is nobody like the Lord! Even when my flesh and heart fail God is my strength for ever!

I can’t get caught up in the wickedness of the world because that distraction keeps me from focusing on the purpose that God has for me!

Find peace in your purpose

Find strength in God’s sustenance

Find liberty in His Love

Find joy in his justice

Find grace in his giving

Find hope in His help!

Find PEACE in His POWER!