By David Ettinger
It’s been a tough and stressful year, and it looks as though things are going to continue this way for many years to come – even to the return of Christ.
Sometimes, when I feel so conflicted that I don’t know what to pray, I simply ask God for His peace – the very peace that can come only through knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, and the very peace He WANTS us to have.
A few verses on peace:
- “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). I love the part about “at all times and in every way.”
- “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Notice how peace is our actual “calling.”
- “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Notice how this peace is a gift of God given only to His children.
- “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Just as we have been given peace, let us strive to spread it!
- “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18). How much more of a witness for Christ would Christians be if we seek so spread peace rather than disharmony?
- “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy” (Proverbs 12:20). When we “promote peace” we are the recipients of joy.
- “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19). Believers must be active in the seeking and spreading of peace.
And the granddaddy of all peace passages:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
To my fellow believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, I wish you peace. May we not only be the recipients of it, but may we seek to spread it as broadly as we possibly can!
vicklea
November 20, 2020
Thank you. And may the same peace that you wish for us also become a part of your daily life.
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dettinger47
November 20, 2020
Thank you, Vickie!
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jarilissima
November 20, 2020
Amen, sir 🙂 I find the Psalms very comforting as well.
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dettinger47
November 20, 2020
They are indeed!
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Zama-Zoe Grace
November 20, 2020
It’s funny; I just read your other post on the quiet peace of God; God has only used today; I guess God wants to fill my heart with His unsurpassed peace. Thank you so much for sharing.
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dettinger47
November 20, 2020
Thank you, as well, for sharing!
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Bruce Cooper
November 20, 2020
Thank you so much for this David. Blessings!
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dettinger47
November 20, 2020
Thank you, Bruce.
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Blue Collar Theologian
November 20, 2020
Praising our Triune God that Peace is a Person and His Name is Jesus! May the Lord fill you with the Peace of His Presence, David!
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dettinger47
November 20, 2020
Well said, Mandy. Amen.
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Crissy
November 21, 2020
Thank you David .
May the God of hope full you with all joy and peace .
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dettinger47
November 21, 2020
Thank you, Crissy.
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Tom
November 21, 2020
David, thanks for this reminder to focus on God rather than on our circumstances!
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dettinger47
November 21, 2020
Thanks, Tom.
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Evad Mac
November 21, 2020
Yes! Such an encouraging post dude, thank you.
I heard someone say somewhere that Christians are to be a non anxious presence in very anxious world.
Peace to you brother
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dettinger47
November 21, 2020
Thanks, Dave. That’s a good saying; I like it!
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bigskybuckeye
November 23, 2020
Amen. David, I appreciate these timely reminders of our Lord’s peace. When we share God’s peace with others, we open avenues of harmony.
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dettinger47
November 23, 2020
Very true. Thank you.
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