A few weeks ago the nursery in our church was crowded and a little 3-year-old began to cry. When asked what was wrong, he said, “I’m just done!”
Out of the mouths of babes, Right?! Do you ever feel like crying, “I’m just done” because you need peace? I’m guessing you have.
Maybe you’re just done with worry over your kids. Or maybe you’re just done wrestling in your marriage. Perhaps you feel done trying to reach out to the neighbor who is consistently difficult.
Whatever the case, you feel “just done” and you need peace.
How do we as followers of Jesus pursue peace in our relationships?
The Psalmist wrote, “Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).
Biblically, “peace” implies rest and wholeness. How do we pursue peace in a world that is full of conflict, chaos, and confusion?
3 Ways to Pursue Peace
Chase the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6). We chase a lot of things: success, status, or maybe even simplicity. Each of these can actually become idols in our lives. We believe that a pain-free life is a life of peace. But our peace actually comes from knowing the Prince of Peace is with us in our pain. Set your mind and heart to know Jesus intimately. Don’t just worship with your head. Worship with your heart. Determine that – above all else – you will honor Christ.
Be a Peacemaker. In His great sermon on the mount, Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). As long as we live in a fallen world, there will be hurt, conflict, and violence. Jesus is not saying to avoid conflict at any and all costs. Healthy conflict leads to stronger relationships. What He is saying is that we are to be a peace that forgives and initiates reconciliation. We can’t demand reconciliation; we can only initiate it. Reconciliation takes two. The one who hurt the other must admit to wrongdoing and apologize. The one who has been hurt must offer forgiveness. Ultimately, to be a peacemaker means we will forgive those who hurt us. Trust me, there will be plenty of opportunities.
Become An Instrument of Peace. Don’t stir up drama. Instead, bring the calming presence of Christ into every stressful situation. How do you do this? When you enter a chaotic situation, pause and pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His peace. Ask Him to set a guard over your mouth. You can also ask Him to guard your fingers. Rather than stirring up drama on social media, ask yourself (before you post) if your post promotes peace! We are to carry the presence of Christ into every situation.
Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace and You call me to pursue peace. I pray now that Your Holy Spirit will fill me. Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart and help me to carry that with me into every situation. I praise You in advance for the peace You will give.
