The world is less peaceful today than at any time in the last decade especially with the outbreak of Coronavirus. Along with the pandemic comes economic instability, addiction, suicide and more.

There is civil unrest in other parts of the world. Our world is filled with so much hatred, racism, and all kinds of evil. Even in nations where there seems to be relative peace, individuals are not so happy due to one reason or the other. A lot of people are quietly battling with depression, panic, worry and anxiety-induced disorders.  Yet, God’s will is for us to experience peace on every side of our lives.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Jesus promised us peace in John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.”

If we aren’t experiencing peace always and in every way, we need to ask how does God want us to be at peace?

Peace With God

 Being at peace with God is the password to experiencing peace in every way. Without having peace with God, there cannot be peace in other aspects of our lives.

Naturally, every man was born with a broken relationship with God. Sin disrupted the peaceful relationship that existed between us and God before the fall. But when we fell into sin, we lost that peace.   “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

The experience of Adam and Eve after they ate the forbidden fruit is a prototype of the condition of every man still living in sin. They lost their peace. They became restless. They had to find a place to hide from God.

But everything changed when Jesus came to the world and died for our sins. He died to restore the peace we lost in Eden.

Romans 5:1 says, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” “for He is our peace” Ephesians 2:14. Isaiah prophesied that  He would be called the Prince of Peace.   Isaiah 9:6

It is impossible to experience true peace without a living relationship with Jesus.

 Peace With Others

 Seeking to live in peace with others is an indication that we have secured peace with God. A man who walks in peace with God will live in peace with his neighbors.

There is a great connection between our relationship with God and other men. Jesus teaches that having an unsettled matter with someone will hinder fellowship with God.

“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

This is why Paul wrote to the Romans and said, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18

Hebrews 12:14 says, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”

We cannot hope to possibly live in peace when others are hurting because of our action.

Peace With Self

So many people lack inner peace. They are always overwhelmed, anxious or depressed and discouraged. To experience peace with self;

• We must reconcile with God and men. We are bound to experience peace automatically when we live in peace with God and fellow men.

• We must also be spiritually minded to consistently maintain a peaceful life. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:6  This implies walking in the Spirit and resisting everything attempt from the enemy to steal the peace of God in our minds. Peace, according to Galatians 5:22, is the fruit of the Spirit. It also implies we would give ourselves to private personal prayer and meditation on God’s word. If we do these, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.

God has made abundant provision for us in His word for us to experience absolute peace. If we aren’t experiencing peace, it is because we are not taking advantage of the provision of God. “May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

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