Purposeful Living, Peaceful Living
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Purposeful living is also peaceful living.
The sense of peace we experience is often a product of situations and circumstances. Yet God promises His children a peace which transcends these fleeting feelings. This transcendental peace results not from favorable circumstances but from steadfast trust in God. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
It is human nature to grow discouraged and to lose peace when situations shift unfavorably. Yet, as we learn to react not in our nature but in the Spirit, we learn also to trust God in all situations. For, as we live in the Spirit, we trust in God’s provision, in God’s omnipotence and in God’s omniscience. We trust in God’s love and in His goodness. Yes, we trust “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Trusting in the loving Hand of our Father engenders unwavering peace no matter what we encounter upon our journey.
In my own life I have struggled with this. It has been easy to feel peaceful when things were going smoothly and according to “plan”… but also so easy to feel distress and lack of peace when those plans went awry. Yet, as I have practiced placing trust not in myself but in God, indescribable peace has embraced me. Trusting in God, resting gratefully in His Will and aligning our purposes with His engenders within our hearts this sublime peace.
Money, relationships, belongings, health and status are all unstable. While certain things are good to have, we simply cannot place our trust in the blessings. Rather we place our trust in the One who blesses, for God is eternal and unchanging. He is the Rock upon whom we can fix solidly our trust.
The following are steps for obtaining peace:
– Ensure that in all areas you are seeking first God’s Kingdom “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) In maintaining the proper focus on God’s Kingdom, we will look not for security in things which are bound to change. Are there any areas in which you are not seeking God’s Kingdom foremost?
– Trust God in all situations. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) As we learn to trust fully in God’s plans, rather than in our own, we discover peace that accompanies walking with God and heeding His direction.
– “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) We can grow accustomed to the rushed and unsettled feeling of disturbed peace. Our hearts, therefore, must be open to the gift of peace – both to receiving and to maintaining it. Is your heart fully open to this gift? Or is it clenched with anxiety or fear?
– Remain in God’s Will and abide in His Word. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4) As we remain in God’s Word, and as His Word abides in us, we live according to the Spirit. Doing so allows us to bear the spiritual fruit of peace.
– As you live in God’s peace, bring this divine peace to others. God promises that “peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:18) As you allow God’s peace to flow into your heart, purposefully create peace in all situations. Peace springs forth not from external situations but from the indwelling of God’s Spirit. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
As we travel today upon our personal pathways of purpose, let us embrace the peace that God freely gives. No matter what lies around us, let us allow God’s peace to rule within us. And let us bring peace to others, allowing God to transform them – just as He is actively transforming us. Let us live according to God’s special purposes for us…so we may live with the peace He promises!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
© 2011 Caroline Gavin
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How will you step more strongly into your purpose to live more fully in peace?
