by Karen Sargent
I believe our deepest need is for the peace of God. Have you ever noticed that peace can be elusive? There seems to be never ending ways to lose our peace.
So how do we increase our peace? The following are six keys to developing more peace in our lives.
Key # 1 Stay connected to the Source
First of all, we need to connect with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He made it easy for us when He gave us His peace.(John 14:27) He told us that His peace is not from this world. That’s good news because this world is more likely to challenge our peace than give us peace.
What threatens our peace? Some of the obstacles in our life are pride, worry, selfishness, and unbelief. Jesus continues in John 14:27 with “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” That means we have a choice. The peace we desire is within us, but we have to avoid the distractions. We have options, to choose peace or let the fear, anxiety, or discord get to us.
Key #2 Be a peacemaker
Second, we are called to be peacemakers. How do we make peace? It’s possible or we wouldn’t be told in Matthew 5:9 ”Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” I really want to know how to increase in peace making because I definitely want to be called a son of God.
Being a peacemaker is a process. Here is a path to increasing our peace. Scripture tells us peace has been given to us. So why does it seem so hard to find?
Key # 3 Focus on the Source
The next step is to focus on connecting with the Source of peace. The key is staying in communication with the Father. When we stay plugged in to our Source, we maintain access to peace. Many times during the day, be mindful of the Father’s presence. Take a deep breath, and remember He is with you and in you. God is for you and has great plans for you. Holding onto His peace will cause us to be successful.
What we focus on grows. We can choose to focus on peace, or focus on the problem. Challenges will always be a part of life. It’s not possible to stop them. But we can choose how we react. Choosing to hold onto our peace changes the situation. It changes us internally first, then it shows on the outside.
Our peace has been shown to affect others in a positive way as well. When we respond peacefully, it diffuses the tension. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Key #4 Seek peace
Another key is to seek peace. Seeking peace is part of being a peacemaker. Romans 12:18 says “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” We are more likely to increase our peace when we look for peaceful ways to solve a problem. We grow when we intentionally look for resolutions.
Key #5 The Importance of Vision
In addition, visualizing the peaceful solution is also key. Vision is a requirement for peacemakers. Seeing the peaceful outcome in our mind first, makes it possible to see it happen in real life. It reminds us that the goal is peace. This increases our ability to steer clear of the temptations to contribute to the problem.
Key # 6 Be of the same mind
Finally, in Philippians 4:2-5 Paul helps us deal with the tensions that can come up in relationships. He begs these ladies to be of the same mind. This shows us that working together requires a commitment to peace. Like them we need to be peacemakers even as we labor for the gospel.
Understand that it doesn’t mean that our actions will be the same, but our mind or our mindset is united. Two people working toward the same goal have one mind. They may have different roles in reaching the goal. Cooperation means moving in the same direction for the success of the team.
We’ve seen many examples of what happens if people are not of the same mind. No one is immune to discord. However, disharmony leads to division. Can two walk together unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3 So the first step is to find the common goal. Make it your goal to be a peacemaker!
More to Come! Part 2 Next Week!
Stay tuned for part 2 next week. I will share 5 more keys to increasing the peace in your life.
This has reminded me of Carman’s version of the song Peace Like a River. It never gets old!