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Peace with God – Rom 5:1 – This peace is settled for those who are bleivers in Jesus.

Peace of God – Jn 14:27 – This peace is sought by those who are bleivers in Jesus. 

This devotional is designed to hep beliecers in Jesus experience the peace of God in the mnidst of difficulties and disappointments and in the midst of troubles and trials. This passage highlights six steps to peace. 

1. Rejoice in the Lord (4). 

Rejoice in the Lord always! Not just rejoice occasionally. Not just rejoice when something great happens. Rejoice in the Lord always! Make the choice to rejoice! The Bible says: “A merry heart does good like a medicine!” We may not rejoice about the trial and we may not rejoice because of the trial, but we can rejoice in the trial…knowing that God can work all things together for good and that tribulation cultivates character. We also rejoice in God’s presence and promises and protection. “Rejoice in the Lord, always! Again I say, rejoice!”

2. React graciously to others (5a) 

Be gentle and forbearing… with everyone! The Bible says, “As much as lies within you, live in peace with all mankind.” There will be differences of opinion and direction, but we are all made in the image of God and we are all precious in the eyes of God and everyone should be respected and loved. The Bible says, “A gentle word turns away wrath.” Let your words be seasoned with salt and designed to build up, not to cut down, designed to develop, not destroy, and designed to help, not to hurt. Let your graciousness be evident to all. 

3. Rest in the Lord (5b) 

Jesus said: “I will never leave you nor forsake you!” The songwriter put it this way: “I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind, the God of angel armies is always by my side!” Know He is with you! Abide in Him! Rest in Him. 

4. Reach up to God in prayer (6-7)

Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us. He is just waiting for us to call upon Him. So, let prayer be your first response, not your last resort. Paul gives three commands that impact our attitude and actions: 

Be anxious for nothing.
Be prayerful for everything.
Be thankful for anything.

Don’t miss the promised result of doing these three things:

 … the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds thru Christ Jesus!

5. Reflect on positive things (8) 

The battle for peace is primarily fought in the mind. We must take every thought captive to Christ! Meditate on God’s Word! The Bible says: “Whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, praiseworthy… think on these things!” By the way, Jesus is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, etc.

6.  Resolve to obey the Lord (9) 

The Holy Spirit will not let us be at peace in sin. He will convict us. Our Heavenly Father will not allow us to be at peace in disobedience. He will discipline us. Jesus said our obedience to Him is an evidence of our love for Him. Therefore, we must resolve to obey the Lord. As Paul says: “The things you learned and received and heard and saw in me… these do!” Then we will experience this promised result… the God of peace will be with you! The key is not the absence of troubles & trials or of  hurts & heartaches; but rather the key is the presence of God. He is always with us, but we must rest in Him! He is our refuge and strength. Rely on Him. He is a strong tower. Run to Him. He is our shelter in the midst of the storm. Rest in Him!