I believe peace is one of the most valuable commodities in life—peace with God, peace with yourself, and peace with others. True peace is found when these three are in harmony, and it is priceless. Peace allows you to sleep well at night. It silences the nagging thoughts of regret and replaces them with the comfort of knowing you are right with God, and you’ve done your best. It sets you free from condemnation, whether from others, yourself, or the enemy, and positions you to focus on what really matters. When you’re not chained to despair over the past or anxiety about the future, you can step fully into the purpose God has for your life. Peace gives you the freedom to truly live.
The Bible has so much to say about peace. In Romans 12:18, Paul encourages us, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." It’s a reminder that while we can’t control others, we are responsible for doing our part. That might mean offering a sincere apology, extending forgiveness, or simply choosing not to let someone’s actions rob us of our joy. And let’s not forget the words of Jesus Himself: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). To pursue peace is to reflect the heart of God.
But peace doesn’t just happen; it requires effort. Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing to hold your tongue when you’re tempted to lash out. Other times, it means having a hard conversation that clears the air and restores a broken relationship. Peace with yourself might involve setting boundaries or letting go of unrealistic expectations. And peace with God often begins with repentance and the acknowledgment that His grace is sufficient for every weakness.
What I’ve come to learn is that peace is a daily pursuit. It’s not something you achieve once and never think about again. Life has a way of stirring up conflict, both within and around us. But when peace is our priority, we can navigate those challenges with grace. We can approach each day with the confidence that, no matter what comes, we are right with God, ourselves, and others.
So, how do we seek peace in practical ways? Here are a few thoughts:
1. Pray About Everything
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Peace starts with surrendering our worries to God.
2. Keep Short Accounts
Don’t let misunderstandings fester. Address issues promptly and with humility. Whether it’s an apology you need to give or forgiveness you need to extend, don’t delay.
3. Guard Your Heart and Mind
Protect your peace by being mindful of what you allow into your life. This might mean limiting your exposure to negativity, whether it’s certain media, relationships, or even your own thought patterns.
4. Lean on Scripture
God’s Word is full of promises that bring peace. Meditate on verses like Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."
5. Be a Peacemaker
Actively look for ways to bring peace into the lives of others. This could be through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being a calming presence in a chaotic situation.
At its core, peace is about alignment. It’s being in harmony with God’s will, your values, and your relationships. It’s not the absence of conflict or difficulty but the presence of God’s reassurance that, no matter what, it is well with your soul. That’s why peace is so precious. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a way of life. And it’s one worth fighting for every single day.
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