Choosing Peace

by Tiffany S.
from Virtuous Daughters, September 2009~Volume 9, Number 6

Dear Sisters,
One thing the Lord has reminded me lately is, in the words of Proverbs 14:26, “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.” One of my goals in life is to have peace rooted in my Savior, Jesus Christ. There are certain spiritual weaknesses that will hinder this peace in my life. For example, fear and anxiety will cause me to worry and will not allow me to keep my thoughts stayed on Christ; self-pity will cause me to be dissatisfied; pride will cause me to concern myself with what others think of me (fear of man); and disobedience will cause me to have a guilty conscience.

The good news is, God’s Word is full of encouraging promises. What a blessing that we can place our trust in the Lord Jehovah: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”—Isaiah 41:10 (Philippians 4:6–7 also tells us to “be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”) 


True joy also will contribute to perfect peace. “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”—Psalm 16:11 (Also see Philippians 4:4.) Humility is necessary to a peaceful life. “Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”—Proverbs 31:30 John 14:23, 27 is a good reminder to obey the Lord, and thus experience a fruitful, peaceful relationship with Him: “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him. . . . Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”—John 14:23, 27 Other Scriptures to encourage us in the area of perfect peace include: Isaiah 26:3-4, Romans 5:1-2, and John 15:11.


My plan to be filled with true peace is to, when dealing with feelings that counteract peace, turn my thoughts toward the Lord Jehovah, in Whom is everlasting joy and strength and peace. I need to keep my mind stayed on my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to keep His commands (John 15:10).


As Christians, we can have peace with God through Christ because we have been justified by faith! Praise the Lord! I will close with the beautiful words of Isaiah 51:11-12a, “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am He that comforteth you.” What peace—to be comforted by our Creator and Savior!
    
Because He Lives,
Tiffany