My wife is terrified of eating expired food. She’s constantly checking the expiration dates on absolutely every item in our refrigerator and pantry. So zealous is she about avoiding expired items she dumps out the milk two days before the expiration.
What are you afraid of?
I’m sure for you; fear is not a foreign emotion. We all face it, often daily. It can reveal itself in our lives through panic, worry, anxiety, etc.
If you face this issue, let me ask you: Wouldn’t you rather live in peace?
I know the answer to that is probably a loud and resounding YES. We all would rather live in peace.
Here are Three Steps to Living in Peace:
Accept God’s Spirit of Peace
It’s important to understand that fear is not a gift from God. It’s actually contrary to what God gives you.
2 Timothy 1:7 Tells us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
He gives you his power to overcome your fears with his strength.
He gives you his love, so you will know that you are loved even when you’re afraid.
He gives you a sound mind so that you don’t let your mind wander into panic mode. Instead, you can rest your mind on him.
Set Your Mind on Peace
Fear often comes when you continually think about the problems you face. It often leads to you meditating on the worst-case scenario. How many times has that happened?
You face one little problem, and your mind takes you to an end-of-the-world scenario.
Romans 8:5-6 says, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Letting the Holy Spirit govern your mind, thinking about spiritual things, leads to life and peace.
That’s why Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
Be a Peacemaker
I have a hunch that a lot of the fear you face in life has to do with people. Am I right? I know this because it’s people who cause the most significant problems. We’re sinners!
What would happen in your life if you deliberately decided to live as a peacemaker? Well, I’ll tell you. You will be blessed, have more peace in your life, and be called God’s child.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
If you want to be blessed by God and called his child, be a peacemaker.
Want to know what that looks like on a daily basis? It means getting over the offense, hurt, grudge, bad attitude, selfishness, or whatever keeps you from having peace with people.
You should do as Hebrews 12:14 says. It tells us to “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Take these steps and you’ll have more peace in your life.
Click here to listen to my latest message on living in peace.
