Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide continues her series on the benefits of adoration. Do you want peace? Keep your thoughts in God.
“AND the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” (Phil 4:7). “Peace of God… shall keep your hearts.” When we call on God from hearts that remain in Christ and His word (Jn 15:7), then the peace of God will flood our troubled souls.
The Nature of This Peace
- This peace is an inner tranquility mediated by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:15-16). It involves a firm conviction that Jesus is near and that God’s love will be active in our lives for good (Rom 8:28, 32; cf. Is 26:3).
- When we lay our troubles before God in prayer, this peace will stand guard at the door of our hearts and minds, preventing the cares and heart-aches of life from upsetting our lives and undermining our hope in Christ (v. 6; Is 26:3-4, 12; 37:1-7; Rom 8:35-39; 1 Pet 5:7).
- If fear and anxiety return, prayer, petition and thanksgiving will once again place us under the peace of God that guards our hearts. There we are safe and rejoice in the Lord.
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble,” (Ps 119:165). Modern society longs for peace of mind. Here is clear-cut instruction on how to attain this: if we love God and obey his laws, we will have “great peace.” Trust in God, who alone stands above the pressures of daily life and gives us full assurance.
Adoration Saves from Anxiety
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength,” (Is 30:15). God warned Judah that turning to Egypt and other nations for military might would not save them. Only God could do that. They must wait for him in “quietness and confidence.” No amount of fast-talking or hasty activity could speed up God’s grand design. We have nothing to say to God, but to thank Him. Salvation comes from God alone. Because He has saved us, we can trust Him and be peacefully confident that He will give us strength to face our difficulties. We should lay aside our busy care and endless effort and allow Him to act.
The Presence of God in Calamity
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea,” (Ps 46:1,2). “Our refuge and strength.” Although we all experience spiritual barrenness at times (cf. Ps 44), this is not the norm, for God desires to be near His people with help and comfort. This Psalm expresses trust and confidence in God during a time of instability and insecurity.
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