Pray for Peace

To have peace is to have freedom from disturbance; tribulation, stress, strife, upheaval, being of sound mind, having a sense of calmness, restfulness, quietness of the soul and tranquility. John 16:33, says In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”  It's important to note that we live in a sinful world and are surrounded by people who sin.  We ourselves are sinners, but working to live a righteous life. So until we are able to find or be lead to the right path, we're going to have missteps and suffer consequences.  Because Jesus has overcome the world, we as well are over comers. But without peace, obedience, submission, confession & repentance we are doomed to suffer distress, trouble, misery and sorrow.  We must know that God doesn't expect us to live perfect lives, but He does want us to seek Him first in all that me think say and do.  

Making a connection with God should be first on our to do list and be done on a daily basis. Making a connection is building a relationship with God.  Having a relationship with God is the same as any other relationship that we engage in.  To sustain unity in any relationship, there must be humility, partnership and sacrifice.  A relationship with God is a great example to model when we are building relationships with people in our lives.  When we humble ourselves before God, a rewarding relationship with Him is achieved. In order to be humbled we need to remember that God has authority over us and we don't have authority over him, so we must not only humble ourselves but also submit to His will. 

We must remember that our will brings destruction, disorder, separation & frustration. Acknowledging our faults and our weakness humbles us in order to be more receptive to God and be better able to sustain a relationship with Him.  I understand that in the midst of an escalating problem or a troubled relationship, remembering that no matter what is going on God is always in control may be hard to do. It's necessary, if we truly want to walk and live in the spirit and be better able to withstand trouble that presents itself.  We also would do well to remember that the Holy Spirit is dwelling within us.  We have the power to be peaceful or unmoved by any situation that arises, just by praying for God to activate the power. 

Proverbs 12:20, says we who are counselors of peace have joy.  And to have joy, we understand, respect and know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28  
We are working in our faith when we pursue the things which make for peace and that builds one another up. Romans 14:19 

Work to be in God's rest. Hebrews 4:10, says for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.  Matthew 11:28-30, says if we who are weary and burden down come to God, He will give us rest. God also wants us to learn from Him, He is gentle and humble in heart, and if we model ourselves after Him we will find rest for our souls.