These days, it seems like peace is a rare and valuable commodity. Fear, anxiety, anger, and self-centeredness abound as we deal with life struggles like COVID, and turbulent political climate, and strained relationships. Where do you sense you are lacking peace in your life? A big decision approaches. A relationship that is strained. The future of our country. Maybe you are fearful about COVID or other health issues, or finances, or the election.
God’s Word directs us how to have peace, a peace that passes understanding. I recently taught on peace at our church and walked through God’s plan for peace that begins with peace with God, and from there moves into peace with people and peace within ourselves. Here is the hour long teaching time, and I hope it blesses you so you can enjoy the “perfect peace” Isaiah talks about, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” (Is.26:3-4)
Here is a list of references I cited:
Peace within ourselves
John 14:1
Jn. 16:33
Jn. 14:27
A Biblical Overview of God’s Plan for Peace
- Peace with God.
Isaiah 26:3-4
Isaiah 9:6-7
Luke 2:14
Rom. 5:1
Col. 1:19-20
Is. 53:5
Eph.2:13-18
2 Cor. 5:16-21
What about Matt.10:34?
- Peace with people.
Eph. 4:1-3
1 Thess. 5:12-13, 23
Psalm 133
Rom. 14:19
Hebr 12:14
Rom.12:18
Phil. 4:4-9
Final Thought – Prayer from Valley of Vision: “When I am afraid of evils to come, comfort me by showing me that in myself I am a dying, condemned wretch, but in Christ I am reconciled and live; that in myself I find insufficiency and no rest, but in Christ there is satisfaction and peace; that in myself I am feeble and unable to do good, but in Christ I have ability to do all things. Though now I have his graces in part, I shall shortly have them perfectly in that state where thou wilt show thyself fully reconciled, and alone sufficient, efficient, loving me completely, with sin abolished. O Lord, hasten that day.”