The last few months have been turned upside down for my husband and me. In fact, the last six months have been a whirlwind. We traveled cross country four times, moved three times, and are finally into our new home. On top of that, my computer decided to complain, and I’ve had major issues with it. I finally got it fixed and I’m back, ready to start journaling again. The journey has been difficult, and it has been hard to find peace in the middle of all the turmoil, but today’s verse says, “The works of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17 KJV) The New Living Translation (NLT) puts it this way, “And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.”
Peace is something we all desire in our lives. There are times when it seems peace is far from us and elusive. There is only one Source for peace in our lives, and that is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Peace! “For He, Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall” (Ephesians 2:14 NASB 1995) Jesus, Himself, stated that true peace comes through Him, He gives us peace and He IS peace! (John 16:33) That peace is readily available to us, we just need to seek it out by seeking Him!
As we draw closer to Jesus, we will find the peace that only He can give. Daily Bible study and prayer, working out our faith in righteous living, all these things can lead us to a life of peace. Being human, we aren’t always perfect in doing these and we find ourselves in a state of turmoil. The Bible tells us that it is our duty to seek out peace. Job 22:21 says, “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” (KJV) When we come to Jesus with everything, He promises to give us peace in the middle of turmoil. He even tells us to cast every care upon Him (I Peter 5:7). When we carry the burdens of this world upon our shoulders, we can’t help but be in a state of chaos and confusion. Bringing those burdens to Jesus lightens the load and He gives us peace in our hearts that He has everything under His control.
We are to cultivate that peace into our lives by asking Christ into our lives because He IS peace. I Corinthians 14:33 tells us, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (KJV) Staying in constant communication with Him, seeking His will in our lives, and fellowshipping with other Believers all help us to nurture that peace. Peace is one of the Fruits of the Spirit we are to seek after. (Galatians 5:22) Just as physical fruit is to be cultivated if we want to see a harvest, so Spiritual Fruit must be developed in our lives so that we can bear that Fruit in our lives. 2 Corinthians 13:11 gives us the formula for bringing that peace into our lives, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” (KJV) We are to be focused on Jesus, which gives us that singleness of mind, not being double-minded, but wholly committed and focused on what God wants of us. When we seek Him out and do His Will, we will find that peace – peace of heart and peace of mind.
Are you finding yourself in a state of turmoil today? God desires for you to live a life of peace. Go to Him, let Him give you that peace, seek His will for you, take your burdens to Him, and you will find that peace for your journey.
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