The Choice of Peace Amidst Confusion

From The Voices and The Choices by Roxanne Parks on YouVersion

A dear friend of mine once gave me a placard that read “Choose Peace”. Huh? Can I simply just choose peace like I can choose a candy bar? Where is the ever-allusive peace that I can choose? I’ve spent years pondering how to find peace. How to choose peace.

Choosing peace is closely related to the matter of choosing to trust. This is another area of my life that addresses and directly confronts my internal “control freak” nature. My own self upon my own selfish throne.

John 16:33 – I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

Scripture says that the Lord offers us His peace and calls us to live as a peacemaker. Wow.

Isaiah 26:3 KJV states, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” When trust goes up, our peace goes up. When our trust goes down, we forfeit our peace.

Life can often feel so overwhelming or chaotic. Juggling a stressful job, multiple relationships, financial woes, and a host of other demands can sometimes be just too much. It’s no surprise that we find ourselves internally begging for a moment of peace. WE can be set apart. We can live in a peace that transcends all understanding. But it will only come from an intimate relationship and trust in the Lord. God’s deepest desire for every one of us and for the world at large, is to walk in His peace.

Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called  in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.

This is another life-giving choice that we must make. Whenever our hearts start to race, we simply need to slow down, take a deep breath, and open ourselves to the presence and the perspective of God. He will reward us with the peace we seek.

Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which surpasses  all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

I often tell myself to “STOP, DROP AND WORSHIP” as a way of redirecting my heart to the place of peace through trust. Then go even one step further and strive to offer His peace in all your interactions with others. This aligns with the heart of Jesus, who declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

John 14:27 –  “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.  

Ponder:

What inhibits you from choosing peace?

Prayer:

Lord help me seek Your peace which passes all my understanding in my chaotic world. Help me to trust You and receive the peace You offer.