“It is all right,” the Lord replied. “Do not be afraid. You will not die.” And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means “the Lord is peace”) … – Judges 6:23-24 NLT
Gideon built an altar to commemorate the Lord’s promise of peace that he will not die, and that Israel will be delivered from the Midianites.
According to Isaiah 9:6, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the Prince of Peace and He is the one who assures and guarantees our peace.
To know and experience true and perfect peace, we need to learn to keep our minds focused on God and His word, trusting Him alone. This requires our total reliance, dependence, confident trust, and security in the Lord. This also means a steadfast, unwavering trust lacking any trace of double mindedness.
“But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.” James 1:6-8 (TLB)
I realise how difficult exercising this level of trust in God can be. Sometimes, I get rattled, restless, and my peace really gets skewed whenever my focus or attention is centred on the issues I’m dealing with.
We should guard against letting our minds wander or dwell on things that disturb or rob us of our joy and peace. This may include health worries, discouragement, influence and sentiments of others, political and economic issues of our day.
God’s type of peace is not a state of excitement or happiness. It is when one’s mind is quiet and satisfied even if the surrounding environment is chaotic.
Jesus, while comforting His disciples said, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27 (AMP)
“And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” Philippians 4:7 (AMP)
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV); “Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalms 119:165 (NKJV)
We are in troubled times with the economic hardships, the wars and natural disasters all over the world (just to mention a few) and most times it is inevitable but to worry. However, we have a God who we can trust to give us peace from all the world’s turmoil as He promised because He is the Prince of Peace!
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 