How To Get Double Peace

In our fast-paced and often frightening world, peace seems like a rare commodity. But in all actuality, abundant peace–double peace, if you will–is available.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not for sale. It’s not up for grabs to the highest bidder.

True peace can only be found in God, His Son Jesus, and the work of His Spirit within us. Let’s examine the Bible for some clues.

A Mind Stayed On (And Trusting In) God

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You. ~Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

When storm clouds gather around and over us, it’s all too easy to give way to fear and anxiety. Have you ever considered that fear and faith cannot keep house together? If one moves in, the other moves out.

The cure for fear is keeping our mind fixed on God and trusting in Him, no matter what. These are intentional acts, things we must do if we want peace.

And notice that it’s not just peace, but perfect peace. One commentator says that phrase is the equivalent of double peace–peace, peace.

Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled…Believe!

“Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.…Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” ~John 14:1, 27 (NASB)

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples the night before He was arrested and crucified. He knew what His death would bring to these men: sheer terror and fear. So much fear that they fled for their lives.

Notice again that the cure for this kind of crippling fear is belief in God/Jesus. The Biblical definition of belief is more than just a head knowledge that God exists.

Are there still some among you who hold that “only believing” is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that the demons believe this too—so strongly that they tremble in terror! ~James 2:19 (TLB)

Instead, belief in God is a life-changing trust that empowers us to hand the reins of our lives over to Him.

Notice also that the peace Jesus offers His followers isn’t the same as the world’s. The earthly definition of peace is absence of conflict. Well, if I’ve learned anything in my over-half-a-century life, there is no such thing as absence of conflict in the world. God’s peace is a stillness and calmness in the midst of conflict, knowing that He is Sovereign and in control–even when there seems to be evidence to the contrary.

In the face of storms so strong they threaten our very existence, we must not allow our hearts to become fearful and troubled. Instead we must reaffirm our faith in Jesus and the peace He promises.

The Connection Between Prayer and Peace

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP)

Have you ever rested beside a mountain lake so tranquil that its glassy surface mirrored the sky? That is the the visual image of God’s peace, and it comes through prayer. When we feel tendrils of anxiety snaking into our hearts and squeezing, drop everything else and pray!

Notice that we need to pray specifically and with thanksgiving, as though God has already granted our request. The result of this prayer will be a tranquil soul at rest in the assurance of our salvation through Christ. Fear will be replaced with contentment.

And I love this next visual. A peace beyond all understanding will set up fort around our hearts and minds, complete with guards! Wow! Thank You, Jesus!

Lord God, thank You for Your incomparable, incomprehensible, life-altering, mind-blowing, heart-guarding peace. In the face of fear, help us to keep our minds stayed on You, our hearts untroubled, and to turn to You in prayer so that we might experience perfect peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

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