In a day when it seems that everything is unsure, there is peace to be had in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am certain that all Christians want peace in their lives. As I was preparing this devotion not too long ago for the ladies I help as part of our county jail ministry, the Lord gave me this thought: “What is the difference between peace with God and the peace of God?”
Peace with God can be found through salvation.
- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: – Romans 5:1
- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
- For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. – Romans 10:13
We see from these verses that peace with God comes from salvation alone. It does not matter how many verses I share with others. It does not matter how many songs we sing together about Jesus. It does not matter how many tears we cry. We cannot have the peace of God until we first obtain peace with God by trusting in Jesus and His shed blood that paid for our sins.
The peace of God comes after we are saved when we begin to grow in our personal walk with Him. To obtain this peace, we first must saturate our minds and hearts with the Word of God.
- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. – John 17:17
- The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. – Psalm 12:6
- The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. – Psalm 19:7-11
God has given us terms in His Word by which we are to abide. They are necessary for successful growth in Christ. We first need to consume His laws, statues, testimonies, and commandments.
Second, we must obey. Obedience to the Holy Spirit is necessary on the pathway to the peace of God. In I Corinthians 2:9-14, the Bible teaches us about the very nature of God and how He reveals His will for our lives through our obedience to His Word. Romans 6:16 says, Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
If any of us lack the peace of God, we must first make our peace with God by being saved. Then, we can strive for the peace of God simply by reading His Word and obeying His voice. Find peace today!
by Pamela Montgomery