The secret to inner peace
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7 KJV)
The term peace in the New Testament is used in different ways, including harmonious relationships between people and nations and especially between God and man. However, in the verse above, the context clarifies that peace here refers to peace in the hearts and minds of God’s people, in contrast to anxiety and worry in the previous verse.
The beginning of peace of heart is peace with God. Our relationship with the Creator God is the foundation for our peace. There can be no peace until our sin is removed and our relationship with God is restored. This can only be found in Christ. As a Christian, Christ has already placed you on a sure foundation. But how do you build upon this foundation to experience peace on a daily basis? Paul gives us the answer in Philippians 4:6-8 above.
God commands us in verse 6 to be anxious for nothing but to pray and tell Him our requests. There are two parts to this commandment: first, do not worry or be anxious, and second to pray and tell the Father about that situation that is provoking worry. This is a commandment. It is the first secret to inner peace.
The second secret comes in verse 8. The Lord commands us to think or set our minds only on things that are excellent and worthy praise. In Isaiah 26:3, He tells us He keeps us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on Him. Peace of heart is a product of what you set your mind on. Almost all of you, too, might have experienced this : there are things that as soon as we start thinking about them, we become fearful or anxious. That is the power of the mind.
If you ever dream of having inner peace, do everything you can in your power to keep your mind on the things of God. The Lord cannot do this for us. It is the part reserved for us to do.Do not allow anxiety-provoking thoughts to take over your mind. It is the second powerful secret of inner peace Paul discusses in Philippians 4.
We are living in days that peace in the hearts of people is a rare gem. People are anxious and fearful, not only of what is happening in the world but there are too many issues of our daily lives that are fighting to take our peace, such as relationship issues, family problems , money matters, co-workers, bosses, neighbors, and even Satan. Jesus said “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!”. Fight for your peace. I have shared God’s prescription for us as children of God to maintain our peace.
MEDITATE
What are the two steps discussed above which God commands us to take for His peace to settle in our hearts?
APPLY THE WORD
Peace is a spiritual treasure in our hearts. Protect it. Do not pray for peace in your heart and spend your time listening, watching or thinking about things that are provoking worry and fear. Put this devotional to work. Make up your mind to obey God: be anxious for nothing, yes, including that one you are dealing with, which seems to be different, and choose to set your mind on God’s Word.
PRAY
Ask the Spirit for the strength to maintain His peace in your heart.
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