"There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked."
Isaiah 57:21
A minister concluded his message on Sunday morning to his congregation with these words, "If there is no judgment nor life after death, it would still be worth having a relationship with God in this life. He is the only one who can truly give us peace of mind." After the service, a man said to him, "I've never thought of it that way before now. I really need God in my life. I can't find peace of mind anywhere else." A primary characteristic of genuine faith in God is peace. It is referred to in the Bible as "peace which passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
The apostle Paul instructs us how to experience the peace of God. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Receiving Christ by faith is a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit initiates the relationship. Christ comes into our lives through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). A fruit of the Spirit in our lives is peace (Galatians 5:22).
From time to time, Christians may not experience the peace of God. When we live outside of God's will, we miss the peace of God. Following God's will allows the peace of God to rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). Confession of sin not only brings fresh cleansing from God (1 John 1:9), it also restores peace to the mind of the believer.
Father, grant us Your peace which passes all understanding through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
