Do I understand my God-given spiritual barometer within me? Do I even know what it is? It is the peace of God. It is not just a nice feeling to be enjoyed, but a gift of God to be valued, bought with the shed blood of my Saviour and given as a spiritual tool to guide me through every circumstance. The peace of God has purpose – to keep me on track in my relationship with the Lord. He knows everything I think or do and has intentions for my highest good to bring me to the full stature of His beloved Son, (Ephesians 4:13).
Have I considered the different dimensions, or stages, of God’s peace and seen where I can apply God’s word, by faith, in my walk? The words of Jesus encourage us not to be disturbed by life’s events but to keep focused on Him in everything: “Let not your heart be troubled….”, John 14:1. Trouble is not in trouble, but is in my attitude, or reaction to it. When trouble comes I find my peace (God’s gift of His peace) is disturbed within me. This is my peace barometer registering. This is the time when it is vital to keep my eyes on the Lord and hear what He is saying. If I focus on the problem instead I will become distracted, distressed and confused. Confusion is not of God, it is the enemy’s territory and should register as a warning red light to refocus on the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.”
We stated that the peace of God has purpose. God’s word declares that purpose: “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”, Philippians 4:7. God’s peace bypasses the natural understanding. It can operate in the midst of adversity and enable us to walk on the waves of the storm and not sink, when we keep our eyes on the Lord. When I learn to recognise the ripple in my peace: Deal with the ripple and prevent a storm in my innermost being. As disciples of Jesus Christ we are the door-keepers of His peace in our hearts.
Colossians 3:1 encourages us to “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” Choice! Surrender to the Lord of my circumstances.
Another level of God’s peace is found in Psalm 119:165 “Great peace have they which love Thy law and nothing shall offend them”. Here I discover another purpose of God’s peace: that I will not take offence at people and circumstances. I can only do this if I refuse offence by my choice and humbly bow before the Lord’s permissive will. As I allow the peace of God to rule my heart and keep my mind focused on Christ, I find the resurrection power of the Indwelling Christ operating through me. His power enables me to stand tall in Him. In that standing He may require me to speak His words of wisdom and peace, or He may require me to say nothing and allow Him to vindicate me in His time. Let God be true…..in me!
The words of the well known, little chorus come to mind:
In Your way and in Your time,
That’s how it’s got to be in my life,
And in Your perfect will, I surrender mine,
And as You lead I follow close behind,
And in Your presence I will know Your peace is mine,
In Your way and in Your time.
The final stage is perfect peace….. a divine sanctuary and resting place only found in the Son. When I am abiding in Him, (the Vine), I have access to the Source of His perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee”.
Enjoy your journey, keep moving onwards!
