The Keys to Peace.

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9 AMP

These are the keys to peace in your life. Paul also advises us to…  ^“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

What does all of this require in us? A vibrant and intimate ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit who is advising, convicting, counseling, comforting, and instructing you throughout each of your days. We need to be learning to agree with Him. We need to learn to just obey His directions in the moment. This practice will require that we set our pride aside and learn He really does know what’s best for us. This relationship by far the most important relationship of your life, and it should be prioritized as so in all that you do. It will make us a better person, spouse, parent, friend, and worker, as we are slowly changed into the likeness of His character. We should ALWAYS be ‘listening’ (an open prayerful heart before Him) to anything He would say to us. Our hearts should be humble and always quick to gratefulness and praise towards Him for every circumstance we find ourselves in.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Here is the goal and standard set before us as we encounter this life’s challenges. With humble hearts and our wills and minds stayed and fixed on Him we will be able to follow His path for us. This path isn’t as long as we think … but for a brief moment and then we will be with Him … for all eternity.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:1-3

These are instructions that lead those with ‘ears to hear’ to spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is best displayed by the fruit of the Spirit being manifest in our lives. (Galatians 5:22-23)  Do others recognize His fruit in you?