From “Breaking Free” by Beth Moore on Youversion
His peace should not be an infrequent surprise but the ongoing rule of our lives.
Peace can be possible in any situation, but we cannot simply produce it on demand. In fact, we cannot produce it at all. It is “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22). We have Christ’s peace. It has already been given to us if we have received Christ. We just don’t always know how to activate it.
The key to peace is authority. When we allow the Prince of Peace to govern our lives, peace either immediately or ultimately results. Peace accompanies authority.
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. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT
You can have the peace of Christ, believer, no matter what your circumstances; but you must believe, bend the knee, and learn how to receive. You may never feel like giving your circumstance, hurt, or loss to Him; but you can choose to submit to His authority out of belief and obedience rather than emotion. Obedience is the mark of authentic surrender to God’s authority in any matter.
As Lord, He will never ask anything of us that is not right, good, and open to the light. He is perfect and undefiled. He is Redeemer, the One who bought us from sin’s slave master so we could experience abundant life. He bought us to set us free.
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.
Isaiah 48:17-18 NLT
God inspired His Word with great care and precision. When He said we could have peace like a river in Isaiah 48:18, He wasn’t drawing a loose analogy. He meant it. What does it take? Paying attention to God’s commands (by obedience) through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Why should we obey? Because God is incapable of making mistakes with our lives. Isaiah 48:17 tells us He teaches us only what is best for us. Obedience to God’s authority not only brings peace like a river but righteousness like the waves of the sea. Not righteous perfection. Righteous consistency.
You see, God’s way is the right way. And the only peaceful way in a chaotic world. You can begin a life of authentic peace today. Right now. Bend the knee to His trustworthy authority. Surrender every part of your life and every concern of your heart to the all-powerful, all-sufficient, all-knowing Creator of heaven and earth. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Col. 3:15).
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT
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