Choosing Peace

We all long for peace.

But we sometimes view peace as only the result of the right circumstances, thus making it something which we have no control over.  In this view, peace seems unattainable, placing us in a position of having to rely upon the mercy of “the powers that be.”

However, we have more control over peace than what we think.  In fact…

Peace is a choice.

At least, that’s how the apostle Paul presents it in Philippians 4:4-9:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; 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.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable.  If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

“And the God of peace will be with you.”

Doesn’t that sound nice?

According to Paul, that can be our reality because, rather than being the result of the right circumstances, peace is the result of the right practices.

In Philippians 4:4-9, Paul gives us four practices that will lead to peace no matter what our circumstances:

1. Choose joy.  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (v. 4).
2. Ask God for help.  “…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (v. 6).
3. Let God help.  “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (v. 7).
4. Think about good things.  “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable.  If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (v. 8).

“…practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (v. 9).