Peace that subdues

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  Peace that subdues

And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!

Jesus (John 16:33)

The past few days have been nothing short but distressing for every concerned Nigerian. Everything seemed to threaten our peace; news headlines, social media feeds, amateur videos, appalling photos of victimised youths and the national flag desecrated with the blood of her citizens.

It was disheartening; the pain was so deep, I literally felt a hole in my heart. In spite of that, I rested in the truth that God still has everything under control. ALL power belongs to Him, and He isn’t confused about what to do. I then felt a surge of peace in my heart. Such a peace was therapeutic, when everything that went in through my eyes and ears seemed to abuse my mind.

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].
Philippians 4:7 AMP

I like the way peace, as a fruit produced by the Holy Spirit, is described in The Passion Translation of Galatians 5:22:

But the fruit produced by the
Holy Spirit within you is
divine love in all its varied
expressions: joy that
overflows, peace that subdues...

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  May God flood your heart with His peace

When something subdues another, it overcomes, quietens or brings that thing under control. I like to think of peace in the manner of a flood which completely covers, drowns and silences every anxious thought. Peace does not mean the absence of trouble; we experience it when we allow the Holy Spirit help us overcome, quieten and bring all the fears, worries and concerns in our hearts under control.

Peace can be known even in the midst of chaos, and that is what makes it beyond all compare, as the Bible describes.

God makes his people strong.
God gives his people peace.
Psalm 29:11 MSG

Many people crave to control everything because it makes them feel safe and secure. We like to know what will happen next, we want to know how a problem we are facing will be solved.

I believe however, that it is to keep our sanity that God does not allow us to know everything, so it is best to relinquish our concerns and trust in the One who is All-knowing; the One who is in control.

Jesus: “What do you want?”

You can’t afford to let external, unstable circumstances dictate what you feel on the inside; blooming when things go well, and glooming when they don’t.

It is possible to remain stable in the midst of instability, and be calm in unrest.

A peep into God’s diary

Peace I leave with you; My
[perfect] peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I
give to you. Do not let your
heart be troubled, nor let it
be afraid. [Let My perfect
peace calm you in every
circumstance and give
you courage and strength
for every challenge.]
John 14:27 AMP

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Shalom!