The North Shore of Lake Superior.

By Tom Shanklin

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3, KJV.

In the midst of a turbulent world, peace seems to be a commodity that is in very short supply. But I want to encourage you today. You can have peace!

All around us, there is turmoil—in the political system, in the streets of our cities, and in the nations of the world. Some of the turmoil may be even closer to home—in your family, on the job, in your finances and health, or you may be experiencing the pain of rejection because of your faith in Jesus. Jesus put it this way, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, KJV.

God’s Word tells us that He will keep us in perfect and constant peace, a peace that we can have in spite of the circumstances. Let me share three thoughts with you concerning the peace of God.

* Peace comes from knowing Jesus Christ. The Scripture says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Romans 5:1, KJV. When Jesus died on Calvary, He died to give us peace. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him. (Is. 53:5) He took the punishment so that we could be reconciled to God and have peace. When we turn to God in faith through Jesus Christ, He removes our transgressions and gives us His peace. What a wonderful gift that peace is in our lives!

* We must maintain that peace. Even though peace has been given to us as a gift, we are in charge of maintaining it in our lives. Our minds must be “stayed” on the Lord. We must steadfastly look at the cross and the resurrection. We must constantly “see” what Jesus has done for us. Instead of focusing our attention on all the problems in this world and our own personal challenges of life, we must put our trust in the Lord. In other words, we must have faith. To maintain peace, we must maintain faith. This requires living in God's Word and putting it into practice in your daily life.

* You can carry God’s peace to others in this troubled world. “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21, KJV. Jesus came to bring peace. You, too, are called to bring peace to a troubled world. Because Jesus lives in us, we literally carry God’s peace wherever we go. We are not called to exude anger and judgement to others, we are commissioned to take the peace of God to an anxious and troubled world. Peace is an actual spiritual substance that you can release to others in your daily life. You can communicate peace through your words and release it through your spirit.

There is much more about God's peace in our new podcast. The sermon notes are here, too, so check it out. I believe that it will minister to your need right now.

I want you to know that Susan and I are praying for you. You have a great treasure from the God of Peace! May His peace be released in your life today, as your mind is stayed upon the Lord and you trust in Him.

Sermon Notes…

HOW TO WALK IN PERFECT PEACE

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3, KJV.

Main Thought: By receiving Jesus Christ and abiding in Him, you can walk in perfect peace and bring peace a troubled world.

OT—Shalom—conveys the image of wholeness, unity and harmony relationally, also prosperity, health and fulfillment. It is often spoken of as coming as a result of the presence of God.

NT—Eirene—first meant the prosperity life possible when there is no war. Later, was extended to mean inward personal peace. In the NT,