INNER PEACE


The word inner means situated within or farther within; interior. A second definition is that it is of or pertaining to the mind or spirit.

The definition of peace is the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation or group of nations. Another definition is an agreement or treaty to end hostilities. Still another definition is freedom from any strife, a state of tranquility or serenity.

The world in which we live is so complicated. We might not fear the bomb as much as we might fear the person handling it. But in God we are able to have peace, perfect peace. Each person wants peace of mind. Once we have peace of mind, then we are able to allow inner peace to enter in.

Peace of mind will give us emotional stability and mental health. Once we have this emotional stability the inner peace will come. We can't have inner peace without first having peace of mind. This inner peace is freely offered by God.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are noble, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and is there is anything praiseworthy ,meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27 (NKJV)


Achieving peace of mind isn't easy. So many people worry about the past and the future. Too many people are unhappy as they are. As a result, they don't have peace of mind.

If our inner man is not at peace, our outer man is unhappy. To have true happiness, our inner man must be at peace. This peace is the peace that results when we allow God to dwell in our hearts.

In Proverbs 4:23 we read."Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."

Our human heart is a blood pumping organ. In the Bible the heart refers to the mind. Our mind is where we sort out various things. We read in Psalm 139:23-24," Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

As we go through life, we will find disappointments. When we have the peace that only God can give, we know that everything will eventually be all right. We need to remember that God is with us, and He is in control. The heart is not only the center of spiritual activity, according to the Bible. It also operates all aspects of human life; our emotions and our feelings.

The words "heart" and "soul" are often used interchangeably. We see this in Deuteronomy 26:16," This is the day the Lord your God commands you to observe these statutes and judgments; therefore you shall be careful to observe them with all your heart and all your soul. "

We read in John 16:33," These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. "

The heart is also the focal point of the conscience. The conscience is a part of the heart. There was not a word for conscience in the Hebrew language, so the word "heart" was often used to depict this idea.

Consider this passage in Romans 2:14-15 "...for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them. "

I am reminded of the Biblical example of the prodigal son. He left home and went out into the world. He had estranged himself from God and his family and friends. Before leaving home, he asked for his part of the family goods and it was given to him. He wasted his money in riotous living. He finally returned home where his father gladly welcomed him. This story is recorded in Luke 15.

We read in Luke 15:20," And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. "

The conscience is aware of both reason and desire. Because of this, the heart needs to be changed before a person can obey God. Psalm 51:10," Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

" Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh. " Ezekiel 11:19
"The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace."Psalm 29:11

Then we read in Philippians 4:6-7,"Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus."

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS;
1) With so much turmoil in the world, how can I feel peaceful?
2) Where do we find peace of mind?
3) What must happen for us to have perfect peace?

Copyright 2007 Linda Lawrence