Peace: The Principal Thing

So, what is peace exactly?

Peace is defined as:

The normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world
An agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism
A state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relationship
The normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community
A state of tranquility or quiet
Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

When I think of peace, I don’t think of it as the absence of war, chaos, storms, trouble, challenges or doing the hard stuff. I believe it can be some or all of those elements present and you still have the ability to navigate life without frustration in your heart. This to me is called, “peace manifested”.

What are some of the signs that your peace is under attack?

The loss of sleep
Body tension/stress
Loss of patience/ easily offended
Loss of control over tone of voice
Constant complaining

What are some things that cause you to lose peace?

Lack of financial resources
Trouble in marriage
Trouble with children
The death of a loved one
Physical/Mental illness for self/family
Loss of a job
Feeling like you’re not good enough
Lack of support
Loss of hope
No connection to God (The Prince of Peace)

I want to encourage you today and tell you that you can have peace, no matter what the circumstances of life are around you. However, in order to experience true peace, you must take the step I did to get to know “The Prince of Peace”. To some who have never met Him and to many who have heard but may not have invited Him into your lives yet, His name is Jesus. He loves us and desires a relationship with us. Please understand that this is an invitation to get to come into relationship with the One who can change things around for you in your life, not religion. There is a saying that goes “No God=No Peace. Know God=Know Peace”. He desires to be your peace today. It is possible to walk through the trials and tribulations of life and come out unscathed because of the peace of God!

It’s all about relationship, not religion. As a matter of fact, I am not religious at all. There was a time in my life that I was out of relationship with Jesus (The Prince of Peace), I didn’t want to hear it, and I didn’t possess the peace He now brings to my life. If that’s where you find yourself today as you read this love letter of encouragement, I understand and so does Jesus. His desire is that we freely come to Him and not force Himself on anyone. I will emulate His approach. Just know that He is there for you when you are ready. Pray this prayer with me:

Dear Jesus, I come to you today as your son/daughter needing Your peace. I acknowledge the fact that I do not have all the answers. I acknowledge that I have tried to understand and navigate life without the fullness of Your peace. But today, I choose to surrender to You. I give You everything that concerns me. I invite You into every situation threatening my peace today. I accept Your invitation to know You and trust You. Prince of Peace, reveal Yourself to me in even greater ways in the days ahead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

I do pray that you will choose to live in the peace of God!

Blessings,

Coach Lo