How Do We Maintain the Peace of Christ in Our Lives?

Jesus makes a wonderful promise in John 14:27:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

 

Gaining and maintaining the peace of Christ requires a proper focus:

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3

 

Philippians 4:4-7 gives us step-by-step advice for gaining and maintaining that focus:

1. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

No matter what else is happening, we can find joy in our Lord.

2. "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." 

The Greek word translated gentleness means "seemly, equitable, yielding." It's a gentleness that's God-focused and other-focused, not self-focused (Philippians 2:1-4).

3. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

So we start by rejoicing in who God is, which leads us to quit focusing on ourselves, and we take that final step into peace when we seek God with a thankful heart. 

It is then that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

💙💙💙

For more encouragement see:

Living with Uncertainty  

I Sure Need Some Peace. How About You? 

 

Bible Love Notes