Pursue Peace

Jane OlsonBlog, Ladies, Men

During my prayer time today, I realized that I am in desperate need of peace and I remember my mom encouraging me when I was young to allow the peace of God to rule in my heart. I didn’t realize at the time was that she was sharing Scripture with me. Col. 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Hindsight tells me that I really had no idea what real life was all about at the time. As my life continues to progress I realize that there will always be those seasons where my world is a mess and I will desperately need peace in my heart.

Two meanings of peace from the Merriam-Webster dictionary that stand out to me are “a state of tranquility or quiet” and “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions”. I know that there are a lot of influences around us and many times they are negative that leave us longing for peace.

Throughout the Old Testament there are many scriptures about peace. One of my favorites comes from the prophet Jeremiah. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Isn’t it incredible to consider that the Lord thinks thoughts of peace towards us? It’s His desire!

Hebrews 12:14 says “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:”

I find it interesting that we are instructed to pursue peace. We are supposed to chase after peace. This means that we cannot just idly sit by and assume that peace is going to fall into our laps. When we are pursuing peace we will find that it comes to us more naturally.

Philippians 4:6-9 gives us a little insight in how to do this. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

I sincerely believe that the more that we practice the instructions that we have been given in God’s word the more we will find that we are at peace. I am ready to pursue peace. Are you?