Over the last twelve days in our focus on gratitude, the concept of peace has come up multiple times. We have learned that peace is a Kingdom thing. It is a powerful force that has authority over enemies, natural realities, and inward conflicts. When we choose to make gratitude our lifestyle we are inviting the Prince of Peace to establish His rule in our lives.
Isaiah 9 “6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” ESV
This verse is one that is readily used during the Christmas season. Nevertheless, we must understand that God doesn’t wait until Christmas to operate in His Kingdom authority. Gratitude invites Him to be with us and to cover us in His peace. His peace overrules the chaos of our world. In this final focus on gratitude and its relationship to peace, let’s focus on four advantages that we gain when our praise invites His presence.
First, the Prince of peace guards our hearts and minds with peace (Philippians 4:7). This is significant because our hearts and our minds direct the course of our entire life. Our mind leads us and the heart compels us. If these two aspects of our being are not covered in peace we will find ourselves struggling with fear, worry, sinfulness, and selfishness.
Secondly, the Prince of Peace rules our decisions (Colossians 3:15). He gives us clarity to know His will and the courage to walk in it. He will whisper that small, still voice that says, “This is the way, walk in it” or His Spirit will convict and constrain us as we find ourselves starting down the wrong course.
Next, the Prince of peace calms our storms (Mark 4:39). He responds to our fears and anxieties when we call on Him. He takes authority over the storm and speaks peace. He takes authority over us and declares peace. It is important to note that even if the outward storm continues to rage, in Christ, we can still rest in Him. Ultimately, through Christ we can sleep through storms.
Lastly, the Prince of peace crushes our enemies UNDER OUR FEET (Romans 16:20). When our gratitude brings Him close, we are empowered to follow Him knowing that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. We can do all things through Christ knowing that He has given us authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19).
As we begin the final 8 days of our challenge, rest. Rest in the One who has the victory. Rest in the fact that through faith you have overcome the world as well. 1 John 5:4 reads, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (ESV)
Today, write down 3 things that God has given you victory over. Begin your day with praise that you have overcome depression, debt, disease, turmoil, fear, anxiety, offense…whatever tends to rule your mind as a threat but has already been defeated through the Cross?
I am thankful that through Christ I am victorious today over:
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I am thankful that through Christ I am victorious today over:
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I am thankful that through Christ I am victorious today over:
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