PEACE FROM GOD
GOD IS GREATER THAN THE STRESSFUL CARES OF LIFE
John 20:26 Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Note: Jesus used the ordinary Hebrew greeting meaning “May you be well and prosperous.” The word “peace” denotes all that cheerfulness and prosperity desired for a happy life. However, in John 14:27 Jesus added the following insight, “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” Above all, Jesus wants to give us spiritual happiness and prosperity.
John 16:33 (Jesus said) I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Luke 12:25-26,29, 31, 34 Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Note: Instead of being anxious about our failures, having prayed for forgiveness and cleansing, we should be thankful and trust in God’s work in our hearts.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
2 Corinthians 5:4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
ENTER INTO GOD’S REST
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Note: The yoke of sin is hard and heavy. Christ’s “yoke” is connected with “learning of (Him),” which is something touching on cognition and attitude. The “mind of Christ” possessed a comprehension of the greater mission and an attitude of humility, gentleness, and regard for the lowly. If we take this mindset (this “yoke”), we will have rest because we will trust in Christ for the labor, not taking upon ourselves inappropriate burdens or worries. Likewise, the burden of a righteousness centered on our works is unbearable.
Isaiah 30:15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling. Note: “Returning” is becoming cognizant of one’s mistakes and repenting (as the prodigal son had a heart change and returned to the Father). “Rest” is the state of forgiveness and belief resulting in the power of peace and hope. Humility, trust, and love will bring patience, waiting for God, confidence, and gentleness: This is part of entering into God’s “rest.” The Hebrew word used for “rest” has many rich meanings: “to stop, to cease, to be silenced and astonished, to forbear, to hold your peace, to quiet yourself, to stand still, to tarry or wait.” The Greek word for “rest” is likewise interesting: “to repose, to be exempt, to refresh, to take ease, an intermission or recreation, to settle down), to cease and desist.”
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest. (KJV)
Hebrews 4:9-10 There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. (KJV)
Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him. (KJV)
Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. (KJV)
OVERCOMING FEAR AND ANXIETY
Isaiah 54:4 Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced. Note: Shame over past mistakes can produce paralyzing guilt and fear. Isaiah was encouraging Israel to look to the Lord for restoration, including a deliverance from their past sins. Likewise, we all in times past have been taken captive by the reproachful sin dwelling within us. But the Lord has redeemed us from our captivity and urges us to take heart and move forward…not backward.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Psalms 112:7-8 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid.
Proverbs 3:24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Hebrews 13:6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
2 Timothy 1:12 I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (KJV)
PRAYERS FOR PEACE
Psalms 108:1 My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being!
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Lamentations 3:57 You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’