How to Find Peace with God

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“Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” -- 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)
The apostle Paul urges Christians to be joyful, encouraging, and live in harmony then God’s love and peace follow.
Then means afterward.
This verse reminds us that experiencing God’s peace is collaborative.
It’s hard to accept that peace takes work.
Peace is not a magical formula, expression, or feeling that sweeps over us, but comes with an intentional relationship with God and the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Choosing joy, peace, and harmony helps us encounter God’s love and peace.
Sometimes it is easy to forget the first part of the verse that gives us instructions. I know I do…especially in difficult situations.
If you are struggling to find peace, here is a breakdown of Paul’s advice.
Be Joyful
It is difficult to be joyful when lacking peace. But the joy of the Lord is found by trusting Him completely. The Holy Spirit helps us walk in indescribable joy.
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” -- Romans 15:13 (NLT)
Grow in Maturity
Growing in spiritual maturity expands your thinking, compassion, and understanding. Expanded hearts, minds, and souls focus on love which ushers in peace,
Encourage Each Other
Encouraging someone brings joy. It is easy to think we feel more joy when receiving encouragement because we all enjoy being affirmed. But the real secret to peace is giving it away.
Live in Harmony and Peace
Living in harmony and peace can seem impossible. But choosing to walk away and extend grace, even when not reciprocated or deserved, leads to peace. Choosing harmony is courageous and difficult but always worth it.
Our spirit matures, endures, and finds peace when we display Christ’s character despite circumstances, conflict, and disappointment.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” -- Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

Question for Reflection:
In what ways do you seek to find peace in your personal life when chaos seems to be ruling the day? 

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