Written by Sis. Stacy-Ann Wilson
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ”
The Webster dictionary defines the word Peace as: “Freedom from disturbance which equals Tranquility”
Many people within todays society tend to investigate the many ways, and avenues that are available to find peace. Some find peace in animals, some in nature, some in material things i.e.:” Retail Therapy”, and others in recreational activities. However, when it comes to our spiritual walk with Christ, true peace can only be found with Christ Jesus. Here are some helpful tips that can assist you with finding peace on your journey.
Prayer
Prayer is an open line of communication with God. Prayer is one of the key components in growing your spiritual relationship with God. Paul reminds us that when we pray, we should pray specifically about our needs, and to pray earnestly for God’s will to be done in our life. 1 John 5: 14-15. In the book of Mathew, Jesus says “Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself” Mathew 6:34. Jesus is telling us to seek him in prayer and to leave all worries to him, releasing all fears and concerns will lead you to the peace that you seek within.
Reading & Applying
Reading the Word of God and applying it to your life is essential to retaining inner peace. Reading the word daily is a form of mediation to continuously feed your soul and spirit-man. 2 Timothy 3:16 informs us that all scripture is given to us by God. If we follow the instructions thoroughly, we will leave very little room for the enemy to intrude and create inner turmoil. The bible equips us with all the tools to live a life of righteousness, one that is pleasing to God. When you keep in mind the Word of God and apply it to your daily life, you will remain in peace. You will have mastered the art of trusting him, removing fear, worry, and doubt and staying obedient to his will for your life. There are many scriptures that encourage us to rely not on our own knowledge, but to trust in the word of the Lord including Romans 15:4, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 119:105. We should apply and read our Bibles diligently to increase our trust that God’s Will is best for us.
Music
“He shall have a song as in the night, when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty one of Israel” Isaiah 30:29. Worship music is another way to retain peace within. Whenever I am having a hectic day, I often resort to my worship music to keep my mind at peace. This method helps me to remain still, all while receiving spiritual encouragement through the message of the songs that carries me throughout my day. So much so, I now routinely start my mornings at the office with worship songs of praises to the most-high God. This form of worship is a constant engagement with God.
Fasting
“Fasting is the deliberate abstinence from the physical gratification in order to achieve a spiritual goal” -Dr. Tony Evans. In other words, a denial of the flesh in order to gain a response from the spirit. Fasting is a way to get closer to God, to understand his will for your life. When we fast, we are desperate to make our voice heard on high. We increase our intimacy with God, with the hope that we will hear from him directly. This sacrifice is a way to show that we want to seek him and his divine will for our lives.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, do and the God of peace shall be with you.”