Peace is not a state of mind but a condition of heart
I’m sure you’ve been there before: trying to get your mind to calm down and have peace about a problem.
It won’t work.
The more you work at it (in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep over it), the LESS PEACE you have.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your HEARTS be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (Jn. 14:27).
When your mind and thoughts torment you, think these thoughts:
1. Peace is a GIFT from God.
Jesus said, “My peace I GIVE to you.” Receive it.
Every gift has to be received.
Your faith has to reach out and take it into your heart. Hold it tight. Refuse to let it go. Treasure it. Peace is YOURS.
2. Peace is a WORD.
Jesus spoke “peace” to a storm and said, “PEACE, be still.”
Peace is a Word.
Speak the word “peace” to the problem you are worried about. Tell that situation to “calm down” and “be quiet.”
The enemy has sent that situation to agitate you. Tell it to “hush.”
3. Peace is a SHIELD.
Paul said, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will GUARD your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
“Guard” means to “guard with a garrison of soldiers.”
When we turn a problem over to God, His peace acts like a literal army of soldiers protecting our heart and mind.
I can rest and go back to sleep, knowing that someone else is on watch with this problem.
4. Peace is a WEAPON.
Paul said we should “put on the shoes of the Gospel of peace” (Eph. 6: 15).
Those Roman shoes had considerable spikes in them. They could trample on the enemy or any animal. They were a weapon.
Peace is a weapon. The peace that Jesus gives us is powerful against the tormenting thoughts you are experiencing.
Put peace on your feet and walk over the enemy’s head.
“The God of PEACE will soon crush Satan under your FEET” (Rom. 16: 20).
5. Peace is a RIVER.
“Oh, that you had paid attention to my commandments. Then you would have had peace like a river…” (Isa. 48: 18).
Jesus told us that when we receive the Holy Spirit, “out of our heart will flow rivers of living water” (Jn. 7: 37).
I can sing and worship when my thoughts are plaguing me. Out of my heart can come a river of praise.
The next time you can’t drive something out of your mind, turn the river loose on it. Quote the Psalms. Sing hymns and “spiritual songs.”
Peace is a mighty river.
As Jesus left the world, He told His disciples to “let not your heart be troubled.”
Your heart is where peace lives. It’s a gift, it’s a Word, it’s a shield, it’s a weapon, and it’s a river!
