February 19, 2023
“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.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)
This week I was gifted with a beautiful bracelet from a dear sister in Christ Ms. Felecia whom I met some months ago. An emblem on the bracket was the word “Peace” which continued to resonate with me since receiving it. Coupled with receiving the bracelet on the same day of our Bible Study and one of my favorite verses Isaiah 9:6 which was quoted and ended with “Prince of Peace” I believe God wanted the devotional to focus on “Peace” this week.
The Hebrew word for Peace is “Shalom” and it has a rich meaning. Shalom is applicable to an external peace between two entities, such as individuals, groups, or nations, and to an internal sense of peace within the individual. “Peace” is an accurate translation of the term, but Shalom implies more than a lack of conflict. To be at peace with someone, whether a neighbor, a family member or God, is to be in a harmonious relationship with them.
According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Shalom means “completeness, soundness, welfare, peace.” It is translated as “success” and used as part of an inspired blessing. One of the names of God is Yahweh-Shalom in Judges 6:24, or the Lord our Peace, and Jesus is also called the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6.
True Shalom comes only from God our Savior. He is the Prince of Peace. In order to experience the Peace of God, we must belong to Him. The Apostle Paul explains this in Romans 5:1-3, “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” He further explains in Romans 5:8-10, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him? For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” We are no longer God’s enemies, but He has made peace with us through the blood of Christ.”
This peace we have is a result of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. The Spirit of God will manifest Himself in us by having us live in ways we couldn’t possibly live on our own, including filling our lives with love, joy, and Peace. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior are reflections of His presence in us and Peace with God, which can’t help but spill over into our relationships with people.
No matter what hardships we are faced with, we can ask for PEACE that comes from the powerful love of God that is not dependent on our own strength or the situation around us.
How To Receive Peace From God?
♦ God’s peace comes when we turn from sin to God. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. Psalm 34:14.
♦ God’s Peace comes when you trust HIM to be with you in all your problems and when you keep your thoughts fixed on HIM! Isaiah 26:3.
♦ God’s Peace comes when we cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit. Galatians 5:22.
♦ The Peace of God comes when we humble ourselves before HIM. Those who are gentle and lowly will possess the land; they will live in prosperous security. Psalm 37:11.
♦ God’s Peace comes when we love God’s Word. Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble. Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors. Psalm 119:165; Luke 2:14
♦ God’s Peace comes when we obey God. There will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good. Romans 2:10
♦ Trusting in God brings Peace. God will keep you in perfect peace all who trust in HIM I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind, and heart. John 14:27.
A PEACEFUL 
HEART: Note that peaceful doesn’t mean “easy.” Jesus never promised easy; He only promised help. In fact, He told us to expect tribulation in John 16:33 and trials in James 1:2. But He also said that, if we called on Him, He would give us the “Peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension” Philippians 4:6–7.
Ephesians 4:2-3 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with Peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” (NLT) This unity in purpose and gentleness would be impossible without the work of the Holy Spirit in us and the Peace we have with God.
FATHER GOD: Thank You for granting us Your Peace that the world does not understand. Thank You that in the storms and struggles of life, we can rest in You knowing that all things are within Your power. Father, we are under Your care, governed by Your will and guarded by Your love, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!