Searching For Peace

Philippians 4:6-9 (KJV) Says "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

In the above scripture Paul tells us how to go about gaining true peace, which is something I've noticed more and more people seem to be lacking. Paul tells us to be careful for nothing, which means we are not to worry about anything. He instructs us to pray, give thanks, and allow God to handle the things we are worried about. In short, don't waste time worrying give it to God. Paul explains that once we learn to do that, as children of God,  we will gain a divine peace from Him that is so great it surpasses understanding. Paul goes on to tell us what things to think on. We are to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and  of a good report. 

Paul gives us simple instructions on where to find divine peace, and how to obtain it. Many people go through their entire lives restless, unhappy, discontent, and lacking peace. The reason for this is they are searching for peace and contentment everywhere, but where it can actually be found. These people are never satisfied. They may purchase a home believing it will make them happy only to discover that it's not the right one so still discontent they buy another one yet they are still lacking peace so they sell it, and repeat the process over and over again. There are those who think they will find peace and contentment just as soon as they purchase the ideal vehicle. These people fall into the same vicious cycle of buying and selling as those who thought they'd be content with the right home. People go to extremes searching for peace and contentment. Some look for it in a relationship, and they go through one after another thinking they will find what they are looking for as soon as they find the right person. How about money? Some people live to work so they can save money thinking this will bring them peace and contentment, but it never does. They continue on in their pattern of living to work thinking they will feel at ease just as soon as they make enough money, but they can never make enough.  How about a thrill seeking adventure? Maybe if you bungee jump, parachute, hand glide or participate in some other daring activity you will find the peace you are searching for. Maybe the right outfit, shoes, a manicure, pedicure, something has got to bring you peace. They may try vacation after vacation thinking that getting away for a bit will bring them the peace and contentment they long for. This never works of course because true peace is gained from God, and is given to you through your relationship with Him. It is not found at an island resort somewhere off the coast.

It is common place for people to look for peace and contentment in worldly things, but not one person has found it in a material possession. It is not possible. How many celebraties have we seen that are restless, lonely, unsatisified, discontent, and lacking peace even though they have enough money to have any material thing in the world. Many people with unlimited access to whatever they desire have literally died searching for peace and contentment because they never looked to God for it.

 Do you feel unsettled? Are you constantly buying something new in order to feel content or at peace?  Do you have to be moving around, going on vacation after vacation because you are on a quest for peace that you just know will be found in that next home or on that next island? Are you a thrill seeker that just knows you'll find peace and contentment as soon as you participate in the right daring adventure? Have you had several failed relationships because you thought you'd find peace and contentment in them only to discover you didn't? Have you had multiple jobs, and you're still searching for the one that you feel content and at peace with? Are you living to work knowing you'll be content, and have peace  just as soon as you earn and save the amount of money it takes to have those things?

If you are searching for peace in your life, look in the correct place. Divine peace comes only from God, and  you can have it in your life. God loves  you, and He wants you to have it.  Peace and contentment will never be found in worldly possessions, and you can save yourself a great deal of time, trouble, and money by recognizing that. I urge you to stop searching through the things of the world, and go to God in prayer, cast all your cares upon Him, ask Him to fill your heart with His divine peace, ask Him to lead, guide, and direct your steps, surrender your life to Him, and as Paul advises think only on good things. If you will do these things, you will develop a divine peace and contentment like you have never before known. I know this to be a fact. First, because the Word of God tells me so, and second because I have experienced it firsthand.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.