PAUL AT PEACE

Now follows a series of “we know” or “I have learned”, not in order of priority but meaningfully contributing to the grandeur of Paul’s legacy as believer and teacher.

The most important and essential ingredient in this life of submission and obedience is trust. Every adversity we encounter on our journey is designed to test the strength of our confidence in the one who has promised and given us everything we need.

When tough times come, do I trust Him, absolutely…unconditionally? With no solution in sight, will He do as He has promised?

How many times Paul had his back to the wall! How did he find security and peace of mind in these tests?

In this life of faith, what we believe produces what we feel. Feelings are never random. Feelings always confirm our behaviour and thinking. We can trust our emotions in this that they tell us what’s going on inside.

One of Jesus’s greatest gifts is His peace. Oh, how the world longs for peace! But, God said, “There is no peace for the wicked.” Peace is the legacy Jesus left for those who believe in Him.

John 14:27 NLT
[27] “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Well, that’s great, but what do we do when we are troubled or afraid?

Paul found his answer so infallible that he could pass it on with full confidence. When we read what he wrote, it’s clear that this prescription must have come from his own experience.

What disturbs our peace?

Something happens in our thinking when we face seemingly insoluble situations. Doubts replace trust; uncertainty replaces confidence, and our feelings confirm the change. We lose our peace. We feel unhappy, disturbed, insecure.

Paul says, “Come back to the place where your peace left. Give all the thoughts and beliefs that have robbed you of peace to God.” How can I do that? Simple!

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
[6] “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
[6]” Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, AND THANK HIM for all he has done. [7] 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.”

Do you get the key?

It is impossible to be doubtful and thankful at the same time. Thanksgiving is the language of faith. When we choose to dump our issues on God and deliberately give Him thanks for who He is, faithful, reliable, and always good…God’s peace takes charge, acting as a military garrison around our innermost beings.

Connecting God’s peace with who we are, sons of God, we now have two great truths to secure our faith and two courses of action to confirm our relationship with God. We confirm we are His sons and daughters by our submission and obedience to His supreme authority. We confirm our confidence in Him by our grateful hearts, that keeps His peace in place.

Sons of God, His peace standing guard…what can be better than that!