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𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐀 | 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 (@simplyhealthyhome) • Instagram photos and videos

I didn't intend for this to be the theme for this week, but here I am again with my mind on this topic of peace. Earlier this week, I was drawn to this verse during my time in the Word - 

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

A few days after coming across that passage and noting down those thoughts, I was faced with a devasting personal experience, one that left me shattered and full of doubt, worry, and fear. 

The same day of this negative encounter, I sat down to continue this series. And I as I pulled up the list outlining God's promises that I had drafted for this series, the next one on my list was God's promise for peace.

Needless to say, I felt led to share what God has revealed to me in His Word about peace and I hope that as you read through this content or listen to the audio version, you find yourself inspired, uplifted, and encouraged - just as I was when I saw how God had used these Words in my life this week. 

The 1st segment of today's devotional is a look at how God defines peace. 

I often think of the 1960's peace sign when I hear the word peace. And tagged to this symbol is the idea that people live in an almost hypnotic trance that generates feelings of goodwill and "peace" towards others. 

I believe this characterization of peace is our way to try and box the concept of peace. But peace, true peace, is outside of our ability to grasp. Yes, we can experience peace, but ultimate peace is beyond our understanding. 

Philippians 4:4-7 states " Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 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."

We don't have to understand peace. We just have to believe that it exists and is attainable to everyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ. 

The 2nd segment of today's devotional is a look at some prerequisites that God gives us to find peace. 

God promises us peace, that is clear. But, peace is not a magic potion. It's not a daily pill. As we saw in the verses above, peace comes by - 

1. Rejoicing / being grateful

It's easy to focus on what we don't have, but what about what we do have? What about what others don't have?

2. Loving others

It's not always about us. Our anxiety often stems from selfishness. Instead of worrying about ourselves, what if we chose to love and act on our love towards others?

3. Prayer, which stems from faith and surrender to God

Problems will come, but we don't have to worry, because God is in control. He knows our needs and wants and has the ability to grant them so long as they align with His will. 

In conclusion, God's promise to us is this - We can obtain peace. Peace is real. As foreign as it might seem in moments of fear, anxiety, depression, sicknesses, it is 100% attainable and within our ability to attain at all times. 

All we have to do is have faith that the author of our lives and the creator of the universe is in control, has our best in mind, and is faithful to carry out his promise.