Peace from God
How can I experience peace when life is trouble? How do we gain peace when there seems to be no way forward in life? God’s offer of peace comes in surprising ways.
What does the Bible say about God's peace? -
- Peace as blessing - Numbers 6v23-26
- Peace through trust - Isaiah 26v1-6
- Peace in troubled times - John 16v31-33
- Supernatural peace - Romans 15v13
- Peace rules the heart - Colossians 3v12-15
Peace as blessing
Numbers 6:23-26
“Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:
‘May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’
Questions for reflection or discussion
- If peace comes as a blessing from God, what does that imply about peace?
Thoughts to consider
The constant refrain through the Bible is peace being prayed for as a blessing for God’s people. It is not a state that we manufacture. It comes from God.
Peace through trust
Isaiah 26:1-6
Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of God’s salvation.
Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord GOD is the eternal Rock.
He humbles the proud and brings down the arrogant city. He brings it down to the dust.
The poor and oppressed trample it underfoot, and the needy walk all over it.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What does God bring to his people that results in peace?
- Why would arrogance counter the opportunity to receive peace?
Thoughts to consider
When I trust in God, I have confidence in his ability and willingness to protect and keep me whatever the circumstances. This is an environment of peace. If I am arrogant or proud I will focus on my own solutions and then my state of mind can be overcome by circumstances.
Peace in troubled times
John 16:31-33
Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How can Jesus have peace when trouble is coming and his friends will abandon him?
- What does Jesus mean when he says that he has overcome the world?
Thoughts to consider
Peace is not an absence of trouble but an assurance that whatever happens Jesus is watching over us and he is bigger than the troubles or the people we face.
Supernatural peace
Romans 15:13
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How factors does this passage say bring peace?
- What does this passage say is the fruit of God working in our lives when we have his peace?
Thoughts to consider
Peace is given to us by God. To gain this peace we trust him. Without this trust, we will be anxious when troubles come. By His Spirit God has the power to bring about his outcome. If we trust him then he will flood us with his peace.
Peace rules the heart
Colossians 3:12-15
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 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.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How does this passage describe the kind of relationships God would have us develop?
- What do you think it means to let Christ’s peace rule in our hearts?
Thoughts to consider
There are times when logic will dictate one course of action, but our hearts are disturbed. In such situations, we trust that the Lord is heading us away from that course and we choose to go as the peace of God directs us.
Overview questions for reflection or discussion
- What does the Bible point to as the road to peace?
- What might be the hinderances to your experiencing peace?
Thoughts to consider
Peace is an outcome of a relationship of trust with God. When we are in times of turmoil, peace is regained through reflecting on his total control of all things and recognising that whatever outcome he has chosen will be for our Good.
