Philippians 4:4-9
As we accept God’s amazing gift of grace for our lives, we experience the peace that comes with knowing Him. While our problems may still exist, we have the assurance that God is with us.
Peace with God means we understand that our sins have been forgiven. The inner turmoil that once raged within us has vanished. We know where we will go after this life on earth ends – we will be with Him for eternity.
And while that provides a great measure of peace for us now, there are still other areas of our hearts that need peace.
We wrestle and struggle with God, wanting to take control of that area and unwilling to surrender to Him. If we win the battle for control, we ultimately lose. However, if God wins the battle, we win, too.
The peace of God is what we need as we walk in His grace. Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).
None of us are immune to the life-shaking events that sometimes broadside us in the middle of an unsuspecting afternoon. However, the peace of God enables us to weather the most violent of storms in our lives. Instead of wondering about what might happen, He gives us the peace in our hearts necessary to stand.
Share on Facebook
Heaping condemnation upon our own heads rarely solves our problems. Perhaps our insensitivity toward someone was wrong. Or maybe we made a mistake, offending someone in the process. Guilty feelings – real or contrived – have a way of taking the life out of us. They divide our minds, drain our energy, cause us to punish ourselves, and stir up feelings of insecurity.
Following our rebirth in Christ, the guilt of our past sins is taken away. But guilty feelings – conviction from the Holy Spirit – return when we sin against God. However, we must learn to be a repentant people, understanding how to accept the forgiveness of God in our lives.
No matter how mired we are in our sin, God will cleanse us when we ask. There might be consequences associated with our actions, but the sin is not held against us. God has forgiven us, and we must accept it, refusing to condemn ourselves any longer.
Like the lady caught in the act of adultery, we must learn to accept God’s forgiveness. Regardless of how dirty and guilty she felt, Jesus wiped away her sin.
“Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said,, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)
Share on Facebook
