The Byproduct of Peace
Peace is a state of mind, not a set of circumstances
Peace is the byproduct of thinking and living in context.
God has set context matters and is available to all.
Peace is not dependent upon circumstances
It is not reliant on the government
It is not dependent upon family, friends, or acquaintances
Peace is a byproduct, available to all who choose to live the way it's meant to be.
The disabled can enjoy peace. The infirmed can enjoy peace.
The poor, wealthy, imprisoned, and disadvantaged can enjoy peace.
Peace is a byproduct, available to all who choose to live the way it's meant to be.
A byproduct is not something you seek; it is automatically available because of choice.
Those who know God know of His love and find peace.
They know He can change circumstances yet, often changes hearts with circumstances.
A changed heart, conformed heart, is far more critical than changed circumstances.
As we experience the storms of life, we need to recognize that the one who can calm the storm has not, for a good reason.
In that, there is peace.
If there is no peace, what needs to change?
Not circumstances for on this earth they will always be a challenge.
Not others, for they contribute to the circumstances and must make their own choices.
Not governments or authorities, for they too are subjects.
What needs to change?
I need to live in the context of life as it was created, to know God, and to live in a way that demonstrates that I know Him.
In this, I will experience the byproduct of peace.
Peace and fulfillment are synonymous. When fulfilled, we experience peace.
The cause of fulfillment is also the cause of peace.
Fulfillment does not come to those who strive to be needed, for none are needed.
Fulfillment comes to those who understand they are wanted.
Wanted by God, wanted by the family, wanted by friends.
God continually demonstrates wanting us, and we must focus on Him.
We will never find peace if we focus on sinful people to fulfill this divine call.
Being wanted and included by God brings peace. It is something we can demonstrate to others by wanting and including them.
God is not hiding and those who seek Him, find Him.
When you find Him, you obtain peace, and regardless of the circumstances of life, you enjoy peace.
Peace is always the byproduct of right thinking. God is older than me, smarter than me, and loves me. I can trust Him.
Correct thinking produces peace that passes understanding.
Perhaps we must slow down and be still to know God.
Perhaps we need to break out of the way things are for a bit to challenge our perspective.
Perhaps we must limit the Godless voices in our heads to begin changing our hearts.
Those who enjoy peace avoid making other people's business their business.
They focus on their thoughts, decisions, and responses.
They have a gentle, quiet spirit that is pleasing to God and fuels the peace in their heart.
Those who enjoy peace exemplify Psalm 37:7; "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes."
If you are angry at God, you do not know Him.
If you are disappointed with God, you do not know Him.
If you are focused on life's circumstances, you do not know Him or His ways.
If you are overwhelmed by others, you do not know Him or His ways.
If you truly know Him, you live as if you know Him, and peace is something you experience regularly.
Resting in the Lord is available to those who know the Lord.
If you do not know God, you will not know peace.
Those who know God are exemplified in Isaiah 30:15;
"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."
"It is well with my soul" was written by one amid tragic circumstances. This hymn demonstrates the byproduct of peace.
"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well; it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well; it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let his blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul."
Horatio Spafford, 1873
Peace that passes understanding is available to all who know God and live in the context of His creation and love. For now, the choice is ours.
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