Peace of God

Having the peace of God is very important to me and to some it might seem that’s all I’m concerned about.   This might be true, but it involves more than seeking my personal comfort.  I’ve learned that in order to receive the peace of God, I have to identify who or what’s giving me the anxiety, tension, or struggle.

As I’ve reflected on my state of mind in the past, I’ve discovered that the greatest source of my stress were conflicts with God.  Yup, my unrest was because I was at war with God and I have found that in order to have the peace of God, I have to be at peace with God.

I am sure that when most people think of stress and anxiety in Jesus’ life, we think of what Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane.  When I read the Gospel accounts describing Jesus’ emotional state at that time, I hear the words: distressed, troubled, anguished, and overwhelmed with sorrow (NIV).  But in Jesus’ suffering, what captures my attention are the words that come out of His mouth, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).  And the Gospel writers tell us that Jesus went through this intense time of prayer three times and after the third time, I see Jesus not only arising with peace, but I see Him rising in power.

In this event, the picture of Jesus’ anguish brings clarity to the chaos and conflicts in my life.  As I read about His struggle, I am reminded of His teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 as He exhorts His listeners not to worry, but to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  This is the reason why I know that I’m at odds with God.  The greatest reason for my stress is I am not seeking the purposes or rule of God in my life, and often, it’s not even a consideration.

Once I settle the question of “who’s the boss,” I am reminded that Paul says I will be able to rejoice.  My problems will not go away, but Paul says, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

If you’ve been around me, you might have heard me say, “I’d rather have many trials with God in my life, than have a comfortable life without God.”  I squirm as I write these words because it’s almost like an invitation for trouble.  But as I have said, having the peace of God is very important to me.  When I sing, “It is well with my soul,” I want to it to be authentic and unrestrained.