The Peace of Christ

As many of you already know, I have been looking for a summer job lately. Since it has been quite difficult, I have become pretty stressed over this dilemma. Many of my close friends have reminded me to take it to the Lord in prayer and to trust that He is in control. Thank you to all who have provided me with encouragement and helpful job suggestions!

Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

It is funny, because so often I know this in my head, but find it difficult to practice when times are tough. Even so, today I realized that I haven’t been displaying the peace of Christ that comes with being a child of God as I should. I wanted to write a bit on the peace of God for anyone who, like me, has been stressing over the future or anything else, for that matter. :)

It is evident that because of our lack of peace, we suffer from anxiety, high blood pressure, sleepless nights, inability to accomplish all we should, and more. In regards to these, I get terrible anxiety, that are associated with chest pains, and I sometimes struggle concentrating on school work if I am not at peace. If it’s not obvious, I hope to remind us all how important it is (for our health and day to day activities) to trust in the Lord and find peace in His promises.

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.”
The peace of Christ is different from that of the world in that Christ’s peace gives us an intimate, harmonious relationship with our Creator. In addition, those who pursue the peace of Christ spend their efforts looking at Him alone in order to strengthen their relationship with God, which in turn would help them become more understanding, compassionate, and helpful people towards others. This is the meaning of the commandment that Christ gave: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

And to explain more on what God’s peace looks like here is another Bible verse…
Philippians 4:7 - “God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  His peace guards our hearts AND minds! :)

So my challenge for today is for us to ask ourselves if we are pursuing the peace of the world or the peace Christ offers. May the Lord place in you the desire to pursue the peace He graciously gives us.

Soli Deo Gloria! (Latin: Glory to God alone)
<3 Shannon

“Prince of Peace” by Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUp7oxOLans
I had to use this song ha – it reminded me of camp! :)