"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Peace - A Multi-Faceted Characteristic

It's been a little over two months since I began my journey to learn more about peace. The more I read and study about this word using God's Word as my reference, I have been discovering many layered meanings to it. My first area of focus has been on anxiety and peace. One of my favorite scriptures that addresses this is Philippians 4:6-7. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I've been amazed at how far God has brought me in the past two months, and how much I've grown in this area. Anxiety and worry have been an area I've struggled with most of my life. But I can honestly say that it now is an area that I've conquered. I've learned the only way to be free from worry and anxiety is by following Philippians 4:8-9. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

As I've been reading through my Bible, I have learned that peace is often used in conjunction with other attributes as well. here are just a few examples.

Peace and Joy - Romans 15:13
Peace and Thankful - Colossians 3:15
Peace and Quiet - Proverbs 17:1
Peace and Rest - 1 Chronicles 22:9
Peace and Security - Isaiah 39:8
Peace and Uprightness - Malachi 2:6
Peace and Grace - 1 Corinthians 1:3
Peace and Love - 2 Corinthians 13:11
Peace and Mercy - Galatians 6:16
Peace and Safety - 1 Thessalonians 5:3

Many of these topics have more than one scripture associated with them. I listed one with each to get you started in discovering more about God's peace. I look forward to learning more along this journey I'm on, growing in peace. 

2 comments:

Dorothy said...

I really love that Phillipians verse! And just this morning as I read it on your blog, I was reminded how much more I need to ponder those words which lead us to God's peace!
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings
Dotti :)

Jodie Wolfe said...

I've learned so much through studying the verses in Philippians. God has taught me so much in the past two months about letting go of anxiety and worry and learning about His peace. Praying for you as we journey together. :)

Blessings,
Jodie