Current topic: Introduction to Intercessory prayer – a study worth reading.
Good morning.
Peace is a state of mind in which the Lord wants His people to be and also the first thing the devil wants to steal from us. Jesus said in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He also said in Matthew 10:34: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword,” and the prophetic word in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 states: “While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”
So where do we stand? Will there be peace or not? How must we interpret Jesus’ words in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”? Satan is the master of this world. Adam handed over the power when he was tempted in Eden, which is why the world is in such a mess. But didn’t Jesus say He has overcome the world?
It’s like having a peaceful home to return to. After a day of hard work, challenges and problems, a peaceful haven awaits you - you may put up your feet and rest. As long as Satan is loose, the world will not be at peace. He is God’s enemy and determined to stop people from having peace with God. Jesus, however, is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and in Him we’ll have peace. I’m reminded of the painting, entitled ‘Peace’, which portrayed a violent storm at sea, but in a hollow high up in a cliff, against which the violent sea battered, a bird slept peacefully. Real peace is peace in Jesus in the midst of the troubles of life.
This is how Jesus overcame the world – He has provided Himself as haven into which we could run, under whose wings we could find cover. It’s like a child who ran away from bullies and hid behind her dad’s legs, peeping around them and sticking her tongue out to the bullies. It’s essential that we be out in the world, winning souls for Jesus and making a difference, but, as Jesus said, it won’t be easy. Life is tough and if we obey the Lord and build at the Kingdom, we will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). To prevent anxiety, we simply do as advised in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The solution to fear and anxiety is the peace we find in Jesus – much better than any tablet.
Note it mentions prayer, petition (pleading) and thanksgiving. Prayer is the way we call to the Lord (it’s obvious), petitioning shows to the Lord our earnestness and desperation, and thanksgiving is an indication of our faith. When the Lord sees our heart in this manner, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:7). We may not understand where this peace comes from, but note that it guards our hearts and minds. Guards it against what? Against the bully, since it forms a shield against tormenting fears, condemnation and accusations that try to enter our minds and drive us nuts.
Have you tried this before? I have, and it works instantly. Every time anxiety threatens to overcome me, I just plead God’s protection (Psalm 91:14-16) until this wonderful peace soothes my mind and heart like a warm bath does my body after a hard day.
Lord, teach me to run into your peace.
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