Living A Life Of Peace

Living a life of Peace

Definition of Peace:

Noun

1. condition in which there is no war, violence, quarrel or disorder

2. quietness

3. calm

When we look at the news of today:

1. Murders

2. Lack of job security

3. Corruption

4. Moral fabric of society tearing at the seams

5. Political unrest at various levels

- it is almost impossible for us to have peace of mind.

In addition, society makes it difficult for us to have peace in life as we live in a hectic and complex world. Everything and everyone is moving so fast.

Jesus promised that each one of us can experience true peace.

John 14: 27 (NLT) – I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift that the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Based on the above scripture, it is clear that we cannot find peace outside of the parameters of God. St. Augustine once said, “Our souls are restless until they find rest in God”

So how can we have peace today?

1. Let God Control Your Life

When we give Jesus our burdens and allow him to guide us, we find rest.

Matthew 11: 28-30 (NLT) – Then Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give is light”

In the above verses, Jesus teaches us 3 things that we need to do in order to have true peace or rest:

1. Come to Jesus

You have to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. If you have already done this, you have completed this important step.

If you have not, note that only Jesus can give perfect and unending peace. Many people are finding peace in other areas of life, but these things only provide temporary peace. Money, fame and possessions will all fade away, but the love and peace of God will remain forever. The peace that come s through a relationship with Jesus will outlast any thing our minds could ever imagine.

2. Take on His Yoke

What is a yoke? It is a heavy wooden harness that is placed over the neck of an ox in order to pull a heavy wagon which the farmer directs.

How does apply to us today? Our heavy yoke could be guilt, the burdens that we carry in terms of trying to please God through good works, trying to find peace outside of Jesus.

Good news – Jesus wants to make our load light by replacing our heavy yoke with his, which is God’s Grace.

3. Let Jesus lead

We need to give Jesus the reigns of our lives so he can teach and guide us. We need to leave our abilities, our futures and our problems in his hands. We must ask Jesus to replace our worries and concerns with his peace. Then we can experience the promise of peace.

John 17: 33 (NLT) – Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.”

2. Follow the Holy Spirit

We must stop allowing our old sinful nature to control us.

Romans 8: 5-7 (NLT) – Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind there is life and peace.

Even Christians battle with a sinful nature, but if we let the Holy Spirit control our lives, that struggle can be less. If we give in to all the desires of the flesh (things that are not pleasing to God) we won’t experience peace.

How can we allow the Holy Spirit take control?

Colossians 3: 2-3 (NLT) – Think of the things of heaven, not the things of the earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God

• When we set our thoughts on higher things, we see life through the eyes of faith.

• When we have a financial need, we must look higher and see God’s promise to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.

• When we are sick, we must look higher, and see that Jesus paid for our sickness and disease

• When we feel all alone, we must look higher, and see that Jesus promised that he will never leave us nor forsake us.

• As we study the Word of god, we begin to set our minds on things above.