SHALOM – The Command of Peace!

Hello there! How was the last week for you?

It was a pretty interesting week for me. I completed a learning program I was on, spent a lot of time cooking for my family, and started daily posts on social media to promote this blog. While social media is not my forte; it’s been an interesting experience. I’ve learned new design tips, things about myself, and to trust God for what is on His heart to be shared. Not to sound all spiritual but one thing, I’m clear about is that none of these platforms (be it this blog, the Instagram page, or the upcoming podcast) is about me. Everything is about Him, His person, His will, and His agenda; and I serve only as a mouthpiece. That said, please follow the IG page – @gro.wingtogether for uplifting content!

The subject of peace is one that I found somewhat confusing for a season of my life. I thought the subject was overrated. I believed that everyone had peace – well, those around me at least; everyone seemed alright and we didn’t leave in a war-torn city, under severely harsh economic regimes or anything “extreme” of the sort. Little did I know, that peace wasn’t just a function of your external environment; and that your internal dialogues play a very significant part in determining the reading on your peace-ometer. In fact, I’ve learned that even under the harshest external conditions, you can experience peace when you have a personal revelation of what God is doing.

As I got older and experienced more of “life”; I realized that I was barely ever at peace. My internal dialogues were either around worrying if my family would experience more trauma; if my mum would be fine; if my brother would have another accident; if we would be happy again; if I would ever get married; if I would have my dream career; if I would make a fatal mistake with a client; if I would ever be understood and loved in spite of my difference; if I would ever have more than enough and not have to penny-pinch; if someone would see beyond my appearance to see the yearnings of my heart; if God really loved me; if my life would make sense; etc. Suffice to say, I had a lot of ifs running around in my head. This is just a preview of some of my “ifs” – so you understand that peace and I were miles apart from each other. My mind was in a continuous rat wheel that didn’t stop turning except when I slept. Sleep wasn’t even a break for my anxious mind, because there were days when I wouldn’t sleep and if I did, I would wake up for “no reason”. Honestly, sometimes; I would wake up, literally write a to-do list, imagine a couple of scenarios, pray, and then go back to sleep after much struggle.

Perhaps you’re not like me with the “if marathon” but you’re more “concerned” about a number of things, that’s fine, just read to the end. So, what happened next in my adventure? Jesus intervened! I guess at some point, I could no longer lie to myself. I knew I needed help; otherwise, I was probably going to have a nervous breakdown, heart attack, or both at 35 (just saying). I prayed and I learned to rest in God and enforce His peace on everything.

“Peace isn’t the absence of conflict but the presence of God”. I have a wall frame that reads this – and it’s honestly one of my most prized possessions. It has moved everywhere with me since 2012 when I bought it on sale at a store launch; and it serves as a consistent reminder that even in the midst of raging storms, all I need is to cultivate the presence of God and that guarantees my peace. I don’t focus on the problem; I focus on God.

God’s peace isn’t temporary. It isn’t dependent on “things going smoothly” or “predictions and statistics”; it is an unwavering, confident assurance that “all things will work together for your good” (Romans 8:28); that God has great plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11); and that He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). God’s peace is real and attainable.

So, what is it, you ask?

Peace is a condition of freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm and tranquility; wholeness and safety; health, prosperity, and general well-being. It is God’s gift to us. (John 14:27)

And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

It is an all-encompassing provision that guarantees us a victorious life.

How do you get it?

Step 1: Get Jesus. This kind of peace can’t be found anywhere else but in Him. He is the source!

Step 2: Know and understand His promises and covenant for you. He already paid the price to ensure you have a peaceful life. You need to know the provisions of any office, to enjoy them. Invest time discovering the peace provisions in God’s word.

Step 3: Enforce your peace. Now, I know it sounds contradictory using such a strong word like “enforce” alongside peace, but it’s intentional. You see, life and all that comes with it – can threaten to steal your peace. There will always be something to worry about; it is your responsibility to intentionally enforce God’s peace to stormy situations in prayer, through your confessions and your decisions. God isn’t going to come down and twist your arm into going along with what He says; that’s up to you, but He is loving enough to deliver you if you get stuck in a rut.

What do you stand to gain?

Overflowing inner and outer joy; safety; soundness, health; victory, etc. The list is endless!

When do you need it?

I’m not even going to try to convince you that you need it now because this is no marketing campaign. All I can say, however, is why put till a later date a provision that can revolutionize your today and transform your tomorrow.

I pray that you experience Jehovah Shalom – the Lord who is Peace!

As always,