Genuine Peace

In recent days, God has been speaking to my heart a lot about relationship, what it means to follow Him, walking in peace, and trusting Him completely. This morning I wrote this in my Prayer Journal, “Father, I am often guilty of approaching you as the pastor of a church and not as your child. I approach you as an employee, or a manager, asking their boss for help, not as a child of Yours seeking to know You better.” I wonder if I am the only one guilty of this. Are there others who pursue God for answers rather than relationship?

Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be trouble, neither let them be afraid.” We are further told in scripture, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).  So, how do I experience this peace? How to I rest in the Lord and offer thanksgiving for the things I am facing? The answer, I walk in relationship with Him.

It is within the context of a relationship with the Lord that I will truly find peace. Within this relationship I learn who He is and that He can be trusted. It is within relationship that I am able to relax and enjoy His presence. If I believe that God is truly sovereign (in total control of His creation, and He is), and if I believe He is Omnibenevolent (all good, and He is), and if I believe He is Omnipotent (all powerful, and He is), then what do I have to fear, be anxious of, or dread? As I get to truly know God, I am free to walk in victory.

My hope and prayer for each of us is that our relationship with God will grow deeper and deeper every day. I pray that our knowledge of God would grow daily. May our confidence in our Lord be unmatched by anything else we might depend upon. Spend time with your heavenly Father. Get to know His heart, His will, and His way. The more we know Him, the more confidently we can respond to Jesus’ simple request, “Follow me!” And as we follow Him, we will discover the peace of John 14:27.

Honored to be your pastor,
Darrell