Alive: Peace, Man!

Alive 3

Peace, Man!

by Alvin Lagamon

written by Ashley Petallano

Life will always be busy. 

Everyday, we live as if tomorrow can't come sooner enough. With all the work, assignments, school and people, we can't help but feel exhausted once the day ends. Though we sleep at night, our brain whirls and works endlessly. 

Even if we have come to terms and accept the Prince of Peace, there will come a time when we will want everything to just STOP.

Have you ever felt so tired that you just want to shut the blinds, close the doors and throw yourself on your bed for a week? 

Peace is an element so desirable yet very elusive during most days. It's what we want. We then ask: "Is it possible to experience peace nowadays?"

The answer?

Yes. In Christ, it is possible.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.And be thankful."

Colossians 3:15

The ultimate and perfect peace only comes from God.

"Let the peace of Christ..."

We are assured of who God really is. The world offers us endless streams of worries but we musn't stress ourselves. We are weak humans. Our source of strength is God alone and if we have faith in Him, we know He will help us through.

But because we live in a world that discourages Christ, our peace in Him will be forever challenged. Here are the three factors that cause us to lose our peace in Christ:

1. People 

2. Pressure

3. Pain

These 3P's are sure to give us head and heart aches, whether we like it or not. People can make us miserable, the pressure circumstances bear causes us to lose our heads and the pain that comes along is enough to break our hearts. 

But with Christ, we need not fret!

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:27

"..rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to be peace..."

How do we experience the perfect peace of God?

When we obey Him and His Word, there is no doubt that His peace will transcend unto us and we will be relieved. So for us to experience this, we got to make 'PEACE, MAN!'

Make time for Him

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."

Luke 5:16

Jesus was a very busy man. Being the Son of God, He attended to matters here on Earth. His cleared calendar can be seen in Matthew 14, Mark 6 and Luke 9:

- Sent the disciples for ministry

- John the Baptist death

- Herod was looking for Him

- Disciples arrived

- 5,000 hungry (Mark 6:31)

"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat,he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

- He was followed

Jesus did so many things. People followed Him everywhere. He preached, escaped His pursuers and taught His disciples. He did miracles. Despite His busy schedule, Jesus made sure He spent His time with His Father. Reading Jesus' story in the gospels show us that He was always connected with God, 24/7.  

In St. Luke's Hospital, there's a sign that reads SILENCE PLEASE, HEALING PROCESS ON GOING.

In the very same manner, we can achieve peace if we quiet our hearts and sincerely talk with Him.

" Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

Align yourself to His Word

"Great peace have those who love your law,

    and nothing can make them stumble."

Psalm 119:165

Always stay tuned to His Word. The Bible is our Life Manual, which assures us that if we follow what He says, we will stay aligned with His wills. 

Nurture a thankful heart

"...And be thankful."

Rather than wasting our time moping and worrying about our problems, it's best to also remember how God has aided us through numerous situations. It's easy to forget to be grateful when we're caught in tight situations. No matter what's happening, it's best to maintain a thankful heart. Be thankful for everything and be assured that God is with you.

PEACE, MAN!

The peace of God is one that we should crave. It is perfect just as He is. It is one thing. However, we cannot receive this if we do not trust the Giver, if we do not know Him at all. A relationship with Jesus enables us to experience the unbelievable peace of God.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 5:1