We all want peace – peace in our hearts, peace of mind, peace in our families and peace all around us. The problem is that we live in a fallen and sinful world where “peace” – as the world defines it – will never fully be a reality. In this sinful, fallen world we have the opposite of peace – confusion, chaos, anxiety, and fear – living in the hearts of many people. First Corinthians 14:33 tells us: “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” How do you find peace in a world where it is hard to find? It starts within each of us. The Bible gives us 5 steps that we can follow to know the peace of God.
What is Peace?
Peace is defined in many ways by the world’s standards. It can refer to any of the following:
- A state of tranquility or quiet
- Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
- Harmony in personal relations
- A state or period of mutual concord between governments
Peace in the Biblical sense, does refer to all of the above definitions, but in the New Testament this word carries additional connotations. The Greek word for peace is “eiréné” which points to a state of being where “all essential parts are joined together.” This type of peace is a wholeness within a person that directly relates to their assurance of salvation and the fact that God is in control. This type of peace is that “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
What if I don’t Feel Inner Peace?
The Example of the Apostle Paul
The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while he was in chains serving time in a Roman prison. Paul was faced with the uncertainty of not knowing whether he would live or die. For most of us, this situation would steal our peace, deplete our joy and cause an increase in anxiety. Yet, ironically, the book of Philippians reveals the JOY in Paul’s heart, even as he is sitting in prison facing the possibility of death. Oh to have a heart like Paul whose attitude was positive no matter what he was going through!
In Philippians 4:11-12 Paul states: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.“
Paul learned to be content. He found peace in every situation. No matter what he was up against, he knew that he would endure. How did he know that everything would be fine? He adds in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is the Lord Jesus who gives us peace as well as the strength we need to get through everything we are up against.
5 Steps Found in the Bible to Know the Peace of God
We find five steps to attaining inner peace in the New Testament book of Philippians. Paul uses a succinct outline of the steps to take in order to attain the same peace that he was able to hold on to. These steps are found in Philippians 4:4-7:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…“
Let’s go through each of these steps…
Step one: Rejoice in the Lord Always
There is only one thing that we need to rejoice in and that is THE LORD. When we rejoice in the Lord, everything else in our lives falls into place. Our minds become occupied by the sweetest things in life rather than the negativity that surrounds us. Troubles seem to disappear when our focus is on Jesus. Joy comes from the peace of knowing that God is in control and that He has each of us in the palm of His hand.
Deuteronomy 31:8 reassures us that we are never alone. “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” When we know WHO is in control, we have no need to worry about the things we cannot change.
Step Two: Let Your Gentleness Be Known
The Greek word used here for gentleness is “epieikēs” which means patient, equitable, fair and mild. In order to have peace in your heart, you must try to give up the negative aspects of your sin nature (See 45 Shrewd Words that Changed the Course of Humanity to read about the sin nature of humanity).These negative aspects include being easily angered, impatient (with others), quick to complain or consistently allowing stress and anxiety to rule your life.
There is an additional aspect of this word “gentleness” that needs mentioning. This word also refers to having a “reasonableness” within your heart. Christians should not be seen as foolish or easily influenced. As reasonable people, we are to handle disagreements and difficulties in a mature way, taking in all the information needed to make godly decisions and come to wise conclusions.
Step Three: Be Anxious for Nothing
I know, being anxiety free is much easier said than done. With so much going on in the world, it is hard not to let anxiety or worry get the best of you. However, here in Philippians 4:5, we see that being “anxious for nothing” is a command from the Lord. Being anxious is NOT an option. Again, when you acknowledge that “God’s got it”, you need not worry!
We have to have FAITH in God that HE will provide, make a way or take care of our situations. We are to REST in Him – no matter what. Second Timothy 1:7 tells us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The focus I want to point out in this verse is not necessarily the “fear” Paul refers to, but the attributes that God gives us in place of fear. Paul states that God instills within our spirit three things: power, love and a sound mind.
A sound mind does not include room for anxiety or worry. A sound mind is one that knows beyond the shadow of a doubt, that God is in control and He is sovereign over all. If you are feeling anything that can be construed as negative (fear, doubt, worry, anxiety), it is not coming from God.
Step Four: Pray About Everything
One of our best sources of power is prayer. Prayer is our lifeline to our Father in Heaven. If you are not praying about everything, then you are not praying enough. It doesn’t matter how big or small your issue is, pray about it. God hears the prayers of every saint and He is faithful to answer them.
Spend time talking to God everyday. In fact, set aside a scheduled time to spend with Him in prayer. The more you do, the stronger you will become. Paul tells us at the end of Philippians 4:6 to “let [our] requests be made known to God.” The Lord WANTS to hear from you. And don’t forget, prayer is an act of faith that glorifies God! (To learn more about prayer and how to pray click here).
Step Five: Be Thankful for Anything & Everything
Do you give God thanks for waking you up in the morning? Do you thank Him for providing you with the food you eat, the house you live in and the family you share it with? Are you thankful for your job and the car you drive to get to said job? Do you thank Him for even the smallest of things?
We must give thanks to God for everything – even the things that seem insignificant or that we take for granted. After all, it is the Lord who provides us with everything we have. Being thankful keeps us from complaining, whining and moaning. It is important to have a spirit of gratitude and a heart filled with thanksgiving. (To learn more about the importance of a grateful heart click here).
The Result of Following the 5 Steps
In Philippians 4:7 Paul tells us the result if we follow the five aforementioned steps:
“…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Imagine living with an inner peace that “surpasses all understanding.” That sounds amazing, does it not? This type of peace cannot be explained – it is experienced as the result of a life devoted to Jesus Christ. If you ask Christians to explain this inner peace, they will try their best, but words to explain it fully are hard to find.
One last note: Ephesians 2:14 tells us that “For [Jesus] Himself is our peace…” Not only does Jesus bring us peace, but He IS our peace. This peace that surpasses all understanding comes through Jesus Himself. You can have this inner peace yourself… all you have to do is call on Jesus!
Blessings,
Amy
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