How can we have peace with God? Sometimes people don’t have peace with God because they are running from Him, and He is pursuing. So we see God pursues us because He is the Good Shepherd who loves His sheep, even those who are lost.
Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan rightly observes that Christianity is unique among all religions for it is about God’s pursuit of us to draw us to Himself.
In every other religious system, people pursue their god, hoping that through good behavior, keeping of rituals, good works, or other efforts they will be accepted by the god they pursue. [1]
Tim Keller
Peace Comes Through Our Relationship with Jesus
Peter ministered to the relatives and friends of Cornelius by telling them about Jesus. Consequently, as Peter spoke to them, something happened as they listened.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. [2]
Immediately after Peter explained the Good News of Jesus the Holy Spirit fell on them.
Acts 10:44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. [3] Can you imagine the peace that fell over these believers?
Let the Peace of Jesus Rule Over Your Heart
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.[4]
As we let the Lord fill our hearts with His word and thankfulness something begins to happen. As a result, God gives you a peace that you may have never experienced before. Jesus can give us peace in the storms of life as we stand on the rock of our salvation.
Prayer for Peace
Dear Lord, help me remember you are indeed Lord of my life. You have the right to rule all that I think, believe and do. When I allow my mind to run to places that destroy my peace, remind me these are unauthorized thoughts. You do not want me to dwell on thoughts and emotions that contribute to unreasonable fears.
I know my mind will remain in perfect peace as I fix my thoughts on You; so, Lord Jesus, let Your peace rule in my heart. Remind me of the peace I have in Your family and teach me how to be thankful for those circumstances that cause me to run to You, focus on You, and abide in You. I never need live with fearful, anxious thoughts. The truth is You are in control. [5]
How can we have peace with God? Listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-has-more-a-vision-for-peter
[1] https://odb.org/2011/12/23/the-pursuing-god/
[2-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[5] https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/a-prayer-for-inner-peace.html