Fighting in Faith to Find the Peace of God Within You

One of the hallmarks of those who walk in a relationship with Jesus Christ is the supernatural, innate ability to triumph over adversity. Believers can have joy regardless of circumstances, hope “that does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5), and the unexplainable peace of God even within the worst storms, among many other benefits of putting your faith in the Lord.

God doesn’t define “peace” like the rest of the world does (in case you haven’t already noticed). In fact, in God’s eyes, “peace” isn’t the absence of conflict.

The peace of God is the presence of the God of peace.

Isaiah 9:6 says that Jesus Christ will be called “Prince of Peace” and “…Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7 MEV) Ephesians 2:14 says, “For He Himself is our peace…” (ESV)

“…’peace’ isn’t the absence of conflict. “Peace” is the presence of the God of peace…”

~Alicia Purdy

But Jesus showed that the peace He came to bring would defy the world’s definition. He said, “…I have not come to bring peace, but a sword…” (Matthew 10:34 ESV) So where can the peace of God be found in all of the mess?

The peace of God is not anywhere outside of you, but within you Christ can rule and reign in peace if you will allow Him to.

Finding the Peace of God in Christ Amid Life’s Battles

Colossians 3:15 says “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful…” The peace of God doesn’t need anyone’s permission to flow within you – except yours.

Colossians 3:12-15 gives a list of choices you can make to find the supernatural peace that exists in you through Christ that goes beyond anything you’re experiencing in the natural realm:

• “…Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…”
• “…bear with one another…”
• “…if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive…”
• “…And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony…”
• “…Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.
• “…be thankful…”

The peace of God already dwells within you, but you must make the choice to walk in that peace no matter what the circumstances are. The enemy wants you frantic and confused and filled with anxiety about the future. Your Adversary wants you trapped in vain imaginations and evil forebodings so you never have a moment of peace.

Do you know why? Because the worst decisions are the ones you make in fear.

God’s Peace is a Spiritual Protection in Troubled Times

In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul gives an additional list of choices that believers have if they want to walk in the peace that comes through Jesus Christ:

• “…Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
• “…Show gentleness to everyone…”
• “…The Lord is at hand, don’t be anxious about anything…”
• “…in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God…”

And?

“…And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV)

These two passages point to a natural solution to pursuing peace outside of yourself, and a spiritual solution to finding God’s peace within you. The Lord has you covered, but you always have a choice – get dragged or rise above. You won’t be able to use willpower, you need the power of God to hold onto the peace He gave you while the battles rage.

The God of Peace is the Peace of God

You can always look to God’s Word to light your path in the darkness. (Psalm 119:105) And the Lord is always with you. (Matthew 28:20) But if you’re going to live and walk in the peace of God though the storms, you’ll often have to fight for it because your enemy wants you running scared like a deer who is being chased by a predator.

Don’t fall for it! “Stand, therefore!” (Ephesians 6:14) Praise the Lord that the God of Peace is on your side! But just like the peace of God is a choice you make and actions that you take, the God of Peace walks with you according to His Word and His principles as well.

1 Thessalonians 5 presents more choices and actions for believers that strengthen the foundation of peace through a lifestyle of holiness and sanctification that invites the God of Peace into the spiritual atmosphere you want to live within:

• “…always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
• “Rejoice always…”
• “…pray without ceasing…”
• “…give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you...”
• “Do not quench the Spirit…”
• “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything…”
• “…hold fast what is good...”
• “Abstain from every form of evil…”

And?

“And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15-24 ESV)

“Finally, brothers…” Philippians 4:8-9 makes it very clear that the peace you’re seeking in your life will absolutely come from within you and has absolutely nothing to do with what you see around you. Why? Because the God of Peace is in you and the peace He gives is unrelated to the natural world, but is a spiritual state of being. “Set your mind on these things…”

• Whatever is true
• Whatever is honorable
• Whatever is just
• Whatever is pure
• Whatever is lovely
• Whatever is commendable
• Whatever is worthy of praise
• What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things…

And?

“…and the God of peace will be with you…” (Philippians 4:8-9 ESV)

Thought for today: The God of Peace Will Soon Crush Satan

There may not be “peace” in your life right now, as you define it, but there is peace through Jesus Christ in every situation. You’ll need the peace of God to rule your heart and mind and you’ll need the God of peace to sanctify and guide you as you move ahead.

There are separate and distinctly purposeful actions that cultivate the spiritual peace of God inside of you and the same goes for walking with the God of Peace. Finding the peace within you means refusing to look for it outside of you. That’s the essence of faith.

In every instance where the peace of God is mentioned and where the God of peace appears, there is worship involved because worship is a hiding place for you where God’s presence protects your spirit.

• “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, give thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17 ESV)
• “…in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God…” (Philippians 4:7)
• “Rejoice always…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
• “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice…” (Philippians 4:4 ESV)

There are two separate paths to two separate types of peace – a natural path of your choices and actions and a spiritual path – and you’ll need both to walk in the peace of God given to you by the God of peace in a world torn by war.

Speaking of war, don’t forget that God doesn’t define peace like the rest of the world does. How can you know? “… be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil and the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:19 ESV)

For further study:

“3 Kingdom Keys to Giving Thanks to God in All Circumstances”

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of The Way of the Worshipper on Amazon – and AVAILABLE NOW you can also purchase The Way of the Worshipper: A Devotional Workbook for deeper study, personal examination and spiritual growth!