Life is hard.
Life is frustrating.
Life is stressful.
Life is confusing.
Life is unfair.
Life is cruel.
Life hurts.
We all know how difficult and painful life can be. Do you ever wonder if there is a way to escape it or at least a better way to cope? Is it possible to have inner peace while the world around you is mad and life deals you one disappointment after another? Is it possible to rise above it all?
There is. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.” The Bible says that real peace, lasting peace, peace in spite of circumstances is possible. It is found in the right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is a relationship where you are free to pray to God anytime, over any anxiety, and ask for help. It is a relationship that gives you peace even though all your questions aren’t answered. A relationship where the peace you find will guard your heart and mind and not allow life to break you and destroy you.
Understand that this relationship is not based upon some emotional high. It is not rooted in some mystical experience. It is built upon a life of submission to the will of God. The psalmist wrote of the peace of God when he said, “Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace” (Psalm 37:37). When a person is living right with God he can know peace. Until one does, peace is elusive. Psalm 119:165 states, “Great peace have those who love Your law……” Those who respect God’s word and live their life by it are the ones who have the peace of God.
There is something about submitting your will totally to God in obedience of His word that releases so much anxiety from within us. Contrary of the thinking of most, to obey God is liberating. When we live totally under the sway of the Lord’s will things that disturb and harm others will not touch us. When you put God first, everything else will fall in place. Even if it doesn’t, it won’t matter. All that will matter is that you are right with your Creator. Then, and only then, will you really own peace.
Phillip Mullins