During all the years I struggled to find peace, I never understood one of the most critical ingredients: Righteousness. Mind you, I’m not talking about my own idea of what is “right” because that changes depending upon my desires and circumstances. Rather, it is GOD’s righteousness as defined by His WORD. You see, for all the years I lived failing to acknowledge that GOD’s ways were the standard I should live by; AND failing to live in loving obedience to Him—I was NOT ready to possess GOD’s peace. But that is changing! As I DAILY surrender to living in God’s righteous ways, He fills me with a greater peace I could have never imagined. This is because…
Righteousness draws us deeper into the Holy presence of the Prince of Peace.
A close relationship with God is the portal to our peace. I remember the morning I first recognized this strong connection between righteousness and peace. I was about four years into my pursuit of God. It was raining and I was lying in bed with the windows open, inhaling the dewy air as the raindrops pattered softly on the trees.
Suddenly I was shocked by the realization that I was completely at peace and anxious about absolutely nothing!
I was not having to FORCE myself to obey the following commandment:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:6-7)
Why? Because my desire to be led by the Holy Spirit had drawn me to live by God’s standard; and thus, CHRIST was the Guardian of my heart and mind against the evil steals my peace! Isn’t this an amazing spiritual phenomenon? But God’s Word teaches us about this strong connection between RIGHTEOUSNESS and PEACE:
“The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.”
Isaiah 32:17
Can you say with complete certainty that you are experiencing complete peace? If not—ask Him to show you where you are departing from His holy standard. Ask Him to help you rid your life of these things. Or, conversely, if it is a sin of omission [praying, church membership, studying God’s Word, etc.], ask Him to help you to add these things to your life. Honest, loving obedience will draw you close to Holy, Almighty God. His peace is a million times more priceless than anything unholy you are holding onto!
God’s Holy presence will give you peace which surpasses your understanding.
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