Years ago, when I was in an ugly relationship, there was always a feeling of dread as I drove home from work. I did not want to be in my own home because of the relationship and while I was in the home, I was afraid of doing anything or making any sounds that might anger the person in question.
Relationship ended. Peace re-entered my life abundantly.
As my children grew older, my oldest graduated from high school and developed an attitude of privilege - as if I was his servant and he was free to spend his days and nights lounging about the house eating bon bons and watching television. (As romantic as that sounds for him, it was more like eating nacho cheese tortilla chips, drinking 2 liters of soda, and yes, watching television.)
Once he left home to embark on his journey of independence, peace re-entered my life abundantly.
Tell me. As believers, why do we find ourselves in such situations? We allow things to happen that rob us of the peace God wants us to experience!
Merriam-Webster defines peace:
- a state of tranquillity or quiet
- freedom from civil disturbance
- a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
- harmony in personal relations
For the past two years, I have enjoyed the peace of entering a calm, quiet home. The long years of dread that robbed my peace every day are gone, but what about those other little daily annoyances that rob our peace? Joyce Meyer calls them "peace stealers."
Satan knows just what it is that irritates us. Think of it this way: as believers, we are his enemy and he observes us to discover new ways to ensnare us in his traps.
For example, do you like to be prompt to all of your appointments? The enemy knows just how to steal your peace by strategically placing delays in your schedule.
In 1 Peter 5:6-8, we read
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
When you allow your peace to be taken from you, your mind becomes a tangle of emotions and rage.
Goodbye alert and sober mind.
Hello feeding time.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Accept the peace he gives to us:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27).
And if you still find yourself robbed of peace, make sure you are not standing around naked, having forgotten to put on that armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ...
Peace be with you!
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