Joy from Peace

The pursuit of joy can appear to be like trying to grasp a handful of jello. Holding onto it can be like trying to keep shampoo from running through your fingers. The joy we achieve solely on our own is slippery and often temporary.

As we have discussed over the last few days, true joy comes from God. It is something we must seek from Him and cooperate with Him to achieve. As we follow God’s commands, trust Him, and turn over our troubles to Him, we achieve the true joy we seek.

As we see in today’s passage, promoting peace brings joy. We may see and hear numerous people in our lives and on the evening news talking about peace. But promoting peace is more than simply talking about it.

Think about promoting a product. One means of promoting it is through marketing. You advertise it, telling others the purpose of the product. You tell them of the wonderful things it can do or how it can make their lives better. You also demonstrate the use of the product, showing how it has a positive impact. You may get real-life users of the product to witness to the positive effect it has made on their lives. Finally, you may allow people a free trial to entice them into giving it an opportunity to prove itself. In other words, you use multiple avenues of approach to promote your product.

Peace must be promoted in the same way. It is not that we are trying to sell peace to others as much as it is selling it to ourselves. We must achieve peace for ourselves before we can promote it to others. Once we have achieved, at least a reasonable amount of peace within, we can promote peace to others. Our peace begins with two very basic ingredients—trusting God and loving ourselves.

I pray we all seek the true joy that comes from God. I pray we promote peace both within and without. I pray each one of us learn to trust God and love ourselves in our pursuit of peace and joy. Seek the peace of Christ. Seek true joy. Promote peace in your life. Demonstrate the peace you have. Show your joy through peace. Trust God. Love yourself. Love others.

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

Joy Through Suffering

Are you currently suffering? Are you being persecuted for your faith in Jesus Christ? Are you grieving from a recent loss of a friend or loved one? Are you facing challenges and troubling decisions in your life?

Suffering is part of life. We experience loss in varying ways. The past couple of years have been tough on many of us. Some have lost loved ones. Some have lost friends. Some have lost co-workers. Some have lost jobs. Joy can seem to be out of reach.

Those who have not suffered loss may have experienced persecution for their faith. It may be as simple as a sarcastic comment that stings. It may be through a friend or loved one refusing to hang out with them because they don’t want to be with anyone who is “superstitious” and believes in an unseen God. It may even be physical beatings due to their faith.

Facing tough decisions can be challenging and take away our joy if we allow it. Making a choice to change jobs, choose a university, leave a relationship, start a relationship, make a large purchase, and any number of other significant decisions can cause stress, anxiety, and cause us to fret and worry.

In today’s passage, Paul commends the members of the Thessalonica church for their joy in the Holy Spirit despite experiencing severe suffering. We do not know the exact suffering the people were going through, but we can rest assured they were severe, or Paul would not have called them severe. Yet, through these sufferings, the people continued in their joy. Notice it comes from the Holy Spirit, meaning they relied and trusted on God, and He filled them with the Spirit. We, too, can experience joy through our sufferings, whatever they may be.

I pray we all trust God to fill us with the joy of the Spirit. I pray we reach out to God during our own sufferings. I pray each one of us experience the joy that only comes from God. Trust God. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Experience the joy of the Spirit. Give God the glory for His blessings.

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

Joy in Love

Joy is a permanent condition. We can have joy even in the midst of great sorrow. The source of our joy is Jesus. He has given us His teachings, some of the miracles He performed, and sacrificed for us for that purpose.

Jesus states in today’s passage that He told His disciples (and us) all that He has taught them to make their joy complete. He told them of the Father’s love for Him, and His love for them, just before this statement and continues speaking of love following it.

The love of Christ and our love for one another completes our joy. Doesn’t that make perfect sense? As we experience His love, we feel at peace. We take comfort in the love God has for us. The closer we get to God, the more we experience His love for us.

Getting closer to God is a key contributor to experiencing a true and lasting joy. It is a cycle that feeds on itself. We grow closer to God and our joy increases; our joy increases and we seek to grow closer to God. As the cycle continues, we rise above the worries of this world. No, we won’t completely leave all worries behind in this world, but they will become less stressful on us as our joy increases.

Doesn’t it also make sense that as our joy increases, we show love toward others? As we experience the love of God, we desire to show that love to others. We show it through actions, such as giving someone a hug when they need it, serving meals to those in need, providing clothes for those less fortunate, or simply listening to someone who needs to unload their troubles. Those are acts of love and care that well up from the joy we have inside us—joy that comes from the love of Christ.

I pray we all experience the love of God. I pray we increase our joy in the love of Christ. I pray each one of us shows the love of God to others because of the true joy we have within us. Experience God’s love. Experience true joy. Show God’s love that comes from your joy. Make your joy complete by coming closer to God.

John 15:11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Eternal Joy

Are you happy today? Is happiness a key contributor to your attitude? Do you experience joy in your life? Do you think of joy and happiness as being the same? What is the source of your joy? Have you spent time thinking about it?

Most people in this world desire to experience happiness in their life. Our constitution even states people have the right to pursue happiness. Yet happiness can be fleeting. It often depends on our current situation.

The joy spoken of by Jesus is not fleeting. It is a deep joy. One that, though dependent on our situation, is not something that can be taken from us. The true joy He speaks of is the joy of knowing our names are written in the book of life. We live in the joy of knowing this life is temporary and our eternal life spent with Him is permanent.

Perhaps we can look at this way. I work out three times per week. While doing those stretches, crunches, pushups, and running, I experience some aches and pains. I don’t always want to experience the pain. Yet, I can be joyful about going through it knowing the long-term health effect of it. Our lives are much the same. There will be periods of disappointment, frustration, and even trouble. But we can still live in the joy of knowing it is temporary and we have an eternal reward.

Even in the happiest moments of our lives, Jesus says we should not go overboard. Yes, we can celebrate, but we should celebrate with the knowledge that our names are written in heaven. Our celebration should include the knowledge that we will spend eternity with God. Our joy is a true joy when we are confident in God’s promises and fully realize we are His.

I pray we all experience the true joy of Christ. I pray we celebrate with the joy of God in our heart. I pray each one of us rejoice that our names are written in the book of life. Seek true joy. Be confident your name is written in heaven. Always hold on to your joy. Experience the joy only Christ can give you.

Luke 10:17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Peaceful Living

How often do you pray? What or who are you praying for? Do you pray for others? Do you pray for those you are not especially fond of? Do you pray for leaders at all levels of organizations and government?

Many of us pray for our needs. We likely also pray for the needs of our loved ones. We may even pray for people we know through work or social relationships. Few of us pray on a regular basis for our leaders, whether in the organizations we work for or the many levels of government.

Yet, as we see in today’s passage, by praying for all people we live in peace. Notice it does not say there will peace in the world. It does not state everything will be wonderful. It doesn’t even say we will get our way when it comes to having the leaders we desire. It says we pray so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.

When we pray for the elected leaders of our city, county, state, and national governments, we can live at peace knowing we have given it over to God. It is no longer our responsibility to change things. It is no longer in our hands, but God’s. However, along with praying for those people, we must trust God to handle it. If we do not trust God, we will not experience the peace promised to us.

I pray we all pray for our leaders. I pray we trust God to handle things once we have prayed. I pray each of us live peaceful and quiet lives because we have turned it all over to God. Pray for all people. Pray for loved ones. Pray for those you are not fond of. Pray for leaders. Trust God. Experience God’s peace. Live peacefully.

1 Timothy 2: 1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Peace Through Love

Yesterday, we covered some peace principles. Today, we continue that discussion as Paul provides those same principles in simpler terms. As he is writing to the church in Colossae, he gives them (and us) a rapid-fire lesson on how to live as Christians.

In Colossians 3:1-17, Paul rattles off a series of reasons for us to be thankful and to pursue peace. First and foremost, we have been raised in Christ. For Paul, this was reason enough to celebrate. He knew very well the promise that came with being in Christ.

He quickly transitions to writing a list of earthly behaviors and attitudes we are to reject, turn away from. It is an extensive list and one we cannot turn away from on our own. We need the help of the Holy Spirit and constantly remember we are raised in Christ.

Paul then lists the fruits of the Spirit, though slightly altered from his listing in Galatians 5:22-23. We are to forgive one another. Forgiving someone else frees us far more than it frees the other person. We are not holding the other person as prisoner; we are only holding ourselves prisoner when we don’t forgive.

All our actions, behavior, and work is to be done in love. Love brings it all together. Love is our motivation, driving force, and reason for becoming more like Jesus. Love is the genesis for pursuing peace and thankfulness. Love will bring about unity; a unity in Christ we sorely need to overcome the evil in this world.

I pray we all remember we are raised in Christ. I pray we allow the Holy Spirit to bring about change of attitude and behavior in our lives. I pray each one of us pursues peace through love for one another. Remember you are in Christ. Seek to change your attitude. Seek to change your behavior. Allow the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in you. Do all things in love. You are called to peace in Christ.

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Peace Principles

Are you a checklist type of person? Ever wonder what you need to do to achieve peace? Would you like to have a list of things you can do to realize peace in your life? Do you know there are principles and practices you can use to acquire peace?

Some of us are checklist people. We make lists of tasks and check them off as we complete them. We develop step-by-step processes and follow them religiously. We may even organize our lists so we can complete them in the most efficient manner.

Paul put together a list of principles or practices we can follow to realize peace in our lives. They are not always easy. In fact, they can be quite challenging to adhere to in some situations. Take a look at the list he provides in today’s passage. The list holds us to a high standard. It requires us to take a hard look at our own lives, giving up our selfishness, biases, and personal desires.

We cannot achieve the standard Paul lays out for us on our own. We need someone we can trust to hold us accountable, even if it is simply someone we don’t want to let down. Who is the best person to hold us accountable? Why not the only One who lived perfectly? Yes, Jesus. He can both help us change our lives and hold us accountable so we can live up to the high standard. Jesus can bring us peace. He sent a Helper to us—the Holy Spirit. Peace comes to us as we accept Jesus into our lives and follow Him. Paul simply puts together a list He recognized as He followed Jesus himself.

I pray we all hold ourselves to a higher standard. I pray we accept Jesus into our lives as our Counselor. I pray each one of us strives for the inner peace we desire. Follow the principles and practices Paul documented. Accept Jesus into your life. Follow Him. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit. Seek peace. Experience the peace of Christ.

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Peace Offered

Are you tired of all the discontent, violence, hatred, and utter chaos you see in the world? Do wish people would learn to just get along? Would you truly, honestly like to do something about it?

We see reports in our daily news of violence in schools, malls, and office buildings. News reports of discontent, discrimination, and abandonment are reported on a nearly daily basis. It can become overwhelming, and we can become numb to it.

At the time of Jesus coming into this world, there were two groups of people—the Israelites (God’s chosen people) and the Gentiles (everyone else). Of course, there were national disputes among a variety of nations. However, as far as God was concerned, there were those who knew Him and those who did not. We still see this dynamic today.

Jesus came into the world to reconcile all people to God. He came so that everyone, no matter their nationality, culture, gender, or personal preferences could be reconciled to Him, if they chose to. Through reconciliation, He brought peace to this world. Peace both personally and as a people.

So, how do we help bring peace to this world? Bring God into the equation. We pray for peace. We pray for more people to choose God. We tell others about God working in our lives. We invite people to come into our churches. We work toward a revival of God’s Word being the driving force behind our communities and ourselves.

I pray we all choose to pursue peace in our communities and our personal lives. I pray we tell others about the peace God offers. I pray each one of us spends time in God’s Word and in prayer for peace. Choose God. Accept the peace of Jesus. Be reconciled. Tell others about Jesus. Invite others to church. Work for revival.

Ephesians 2:14-18 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Peace Beyond Understanding

Is your life in complete disorder? Are you struggling to bring order out of disorder? Are you seeking a source to bring about peace in your life? Have you sought out God? Have you trusted Him with the struggles you are going through?

We all go through struggles in our lives. We all face times of disorder. There are times in our lives when it seems anything that can go wrong has gone wrong. It is in times such as these that we need a source we can count on to bring peace in the midst of chaos.

Chaos can pile up on us quickly. One thing goes wrong on any particular day, and we can deal with it. A second thing goes wrong on the heels of the first, and we begin to fret. A third goes wrong shortly thereafter, and our stress level increases, sometime exponentially. Facing more than three bad situations in our lives at once, and we likely to find ourselves overwhelmed.

It is when we face troubling times, we need a rock to lean on. In our humanness, we may look to a person we feel we can trust. Perhaps someone who has been a trusted agent in the past. We seek them for advice, comforting, or simply a sounding board.

But there is One who can provide the peace we seek. As today’s passage states, God is not a God of disorder. He provides peace in troubling times. He grounds us in truth. He calms our souls. He quells our anxieties. He knows what is going on and why—the pieces we do not have. And, because He sees and knows the entire picture, we can trust Him. When we trust Him, He grants us the peace we desire.

I pray we all seek God during troubling times. I pray we trust Him in all situations. I pray each of us accept the peace that is beyond understanding from God. Seek God. Trust God. Accept His peace. Especially when we experience troubling times.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

Pursuit of Peace

Is peace evading you? Do you wonder what it will take for you to finally find peace? What have you been doing in your pursuit of peace? Have you been pursuing peace? Or have you simply been wishing for it to appear?

Peace doesn’t simply drop in on us. Oh, we might experience it for a short period of time by pure happenstance. But long-lasting peace doesn’t come to us by accident. We must take an active part in acquiring the peace we desire.

Is acquiring peace difficult? Yes. Why? We must give up being the person we’ve come to be as we have been influenced by this world. Paul compiles a list of eight Scriptures into a single quote as he provides reasons for the lack of peace. Notice the first reason he provides is our lack of seeking God. To seek God is not passive attendance at Sunday morning worship services. It requires us to actively go about following God’s commands.

Paul goes on to say we are not doing good, our speech is despicable, and we purposely seek to cause ruin for others. We deal in misery rather than love, grace, and mercy. Can we, in good conscience, really wonder why we have no peace?

Actively seeking peace is difficult, but only because we must give up being like the world. As we seek to follow God’s commands, seek to be more like Jesus, we will find peace. Asking the Holy Spirit to rule our life rather than the way of the world means giving up our broken selves and be made whole.

I pray we all seek to follow God’s commands. I pray we give up the way of the world. I pray each one of us will allow the Holy Spirit to rule our lives, demonstrating love, grace, and mercy. Seek God. Allow the Holy Spirit to rule. Give up your old life. Be more like Jesus. Find the peace you desire.

Romans 3:10b-18

“There is no one righteous, not even one;

there is no one who understands;

there is no one who seeks God.

All have turned away,

they have together become worthless;

there is no one who does good,

not even one.”

“Their throats are open graves;

their tongues practice deceit.”

“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”

Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”

“Their feet are swift to shed blood;

ruin and misery mark their ways,

and the way of peace they do not know.”

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”