Where is Peace? 9 (conclusion)

Paul started this discussion about returning to peace by saying the warring factions need to have a change of mind.  

Then he said that a proper attitude toward our circumstances will give us peace in our minds.

Finally, he said that we must take active control over what we allow into our minds because our thoughts control whether or not we will have peace.
You see, it’s all already inside and very much under our control!

Paul’s final piece of advice here is that once we have our thought life right, it must show itself through our actions.

In verse 9 He says that it is in actions that I show my faith in God to take care of me and provide for me. It is also in actions that I gain evidence of the power of God.

Do you remember the words that Jesus first spoke to His disciples following His resurrection?

The disciples were in the upper room, and they feared for their own lives. Their leader was dead, and their future was uncertain. Just then Jesus appeared though locked doors and spoke to them.

Do you remember what He said?

Max Lucado puts it this way: "The betrayed sought His betrayers. And what did He say to them? Not, `What a bunch of flops you are.’ Not, `I told you so.’ And there was no Where were you when I really needed you,’ speech.

"No, his first words were just one simple phrase,

`Peace be with you.’

The very thing that they didn’t have was the first thing that He offered, peace. And He still offers it to us today."

Do you have it?

Do you want it? This is so much more important than we realize. We have to want it.

Do you know where to find it?

It is already inside you.

Use it or be tied up and bound down carrying burdens that are too heavy for you; yours and someone else’s.

Pursue it with all your heart.

Give away the things that disorder, disrupt, and dislocate your peace.

Peace lies within you.

Do you have it?

Selah