A new Hope For You – Peace
When you hear the word “missing,’ what comes to your mind? Maybe you think of a picture of a missing child or pet that you’ve recently seen. Maybe you think of something you’ve misplaced like a wedding ring or a set of keys. Maybe you think of someone you miss – a loved one who has passed or a dear friend that has moved.
Here are a few important things that I’ve noticed that are missing in a lot of people’s lives – real friends. There are so many people starving for fellowship, connection and interaction with genuine friends. There are way too many lonely and isolated people today. We can help others by intentionally reaching out to them! We show how much we really care about someone by investing our time in their life.
Many folks are also hungry for love. In 1984 the rock group Foreigner had a hit song titled “I Want to Know What Love Is”. So many people have not seen and experienced lasting and abiding love. The Bible says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8)
Another blessing that we all need in our life is contentment. There are a lot of restless people searching, longing and yearning for something or someone that will satisfy them and many times it’s like trying to put a round peg in a square hole. The apostle Paul found contentment through his personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He wrote from prison “I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”(Philippians 4:11-13)
The missing piece in our life could better be described as the missing peace! Do you have peace in your life? Do you have peace in your home? Peace only comes from having a relationship with the Price of Peace – Jesus.
Today we’re living in a world where millions of people are depressed, oppressed, drowning in worry, overwhelmed with anxiety, guilt, shame, anger and bitterness! Do you know anyone stressed out? Why are so many turning to dangerous substances to help them in their time of need?
The Bible says that “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy”(John 10:10) It seems like he is doing a very good job. Every soul matters and is worth fighting for! It is vital that we remember that the war has been won at Calvary and the battle belongs to the Lord!
The answer is found in the rest of John 10:10, “but I have come that you may have life and have it to the full! (John 10:10) The way of peace starts with the way of Jesus. Jesus said of himself –“I am the way, the truth and the life no one comes to the Father except through me.”(John 14:6)
The history of humanity is a history of war, envy, jealousy, greed, violence and bloodshed. Erwin McManus hit the nail on the head when he wrote, “There will be no peace on earth until there is peace in us.” The Bible says “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.”(Mt 5:9) When the world thinks of peacemakers they think of people who many times can be known by one name, Gandhi, Teresa, Mandela, MLK, Francis, Wilberforce, Lincoln – there is one name that trumps them all and that is Jesus!! Jesus said, “My peace I leave with you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ (John 14:27)
Every fear feels justified! What you justify you buy. Too many times we buy the lie of the enemy instead of trusting the truth of God’s Word! Don’t allow the enemy’s weapons of fear and worry put you on the sidelines.
Many aren’t experiencing peace today because they are paralyzed by their past and/or overwhelmed with anxiety about the future. Please understand that your past is to be a reference point not a permanent residence! God’s power is greater than your past.
Here are three things that will help you experience peace on a daily basis: Prayer – don’t you just feel better when you talk to someone that loves you and cares for you? Sure you do! When you continually talk and listen to the Lord your whole being will be affected. Your mind will be renewed; your thoughts about the past, present and future will come into alignment with what God’s Word says about you.
Peace resides where praise is present. We have so much to be thankful for! When the praises go up blessings come down, chains fall off, souls are saved, and families are restored! When you enter His presence with praise He enters your circumstances with power!
God’s peace transcends our understanding and his presence guards are hearts and minds! This is the prescription for a troubled, fearful, and anxious heart! “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”(John 16:33)
Today you may be in pieces instead of in His peace. That can change today! Lisa Bevere wrote, “What has been done for you is greater than what has been done to you!” What has God done for you? He has provided a way for you to have friends, love, contentment, lasting peace and everlasting life.
You can’t control circumstances but you can control your character and the choices you make. Right now I’m asking you to follow the price of peace. He will bring abiding peace to you and in you! I’m asking you to follow the greatest lover and warrior of all time. He won the greatest battle of all time! He is the ultimate, undefeated champion of all time and His name is JESUS! The choices you make today will affect your tomorrows and eternity!
I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be the pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Elizabeth City -1363 US Hwy 17 S (Southside Plaza). We worship every Sunday morning at 10:00. My email address is newhopepreacher@yahoo.com . I’m on Facebook Live every Wednesday night at 6:30 pm for “Wednesday in the Word” & also on Sundays at 10:00 am for our weekly worship service. I’m also helping with Tradewinds Media and you can reach me for that at gbrinson.tradewinds@gmail.com
