Finding peace in our lives is something we’re all after. It’s stressful to live in turmoil. However, there are two different kinds of peace. There is a peace that God gives and a peace that the world gives. Worldly peace is purely circumstantial. It’s only around when things are good. As soon as something bad happens, the peace inside leaves. This kind of peace is temporary because it’s dependent on you being able to control your circumstances. It’s the opposite with the peace God gives. With His peace you can have peace in the worst of circumstances. There can be chaos all around you and you’re not afraid, nor are you disturbed by it. You can rest in the strongest of storms because you know that He is in control.
In 1 Samuel 17, the battle lines were drawn between Israel and the Philistines. There were the normal nerves of war on both sides until Goliath stepped onto the battlefield. He was their champion and stood almost ten feet tall. Israel lost their peace and began to panic as he taunted them. For forty days they lived without peace as Goliath stepped out. When David arrived and he saw Goliath, he didn’t fear. His peace came from the Lord. He knew the battle belonged to God and not on any soldier. Even as he stepped out to fight Goliath, the Israelite army had fear and were resigned to being beaten. David knew who he was and who he belonged to. He knew God would give the victory as he swung his sling and released the rock. His peace came from God and he won the victory that day.
In John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge]” (AMP). Jesus is offering you a peace that can calm you in any circumstances and help you no matter what you’re facing. It requires you to look beyond what’s happening right now in front of you and to look to Him instead. It trusts Him no matter what the outcome is because He is in control. Don’t let your current situation trouble you the way the Israelites were troubled on the battlefield. Receive God’s peace and walk in victory like David did. God gives strength and courage for whatever battle you’re in and His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
Photo by Peter Lloyd on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 