Open Heavens Devotion 17th May 2016

Open Heavens 17 May 2016: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: The Peace of God

Memorise: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

Read: Philippians 4:4-8 (KJV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 23:28-25:30, Proverbs 25:15-28

MESSAGE:

We can know all the facts about God’s provisions, but if emotions do not support our knowledge, we will not be able to act upon what we know to be true. The peace of God applies a balm of inner serenity to our emotions. If you have the peace of God, you will feel at peace in mind and heart – the total inner person. All of us know what it is like to lack inner peace. Some crisis comes into our lives – some worry, some danger - and a turbulent storm rages within. Many people seek peace through tranquilizers, depressants, and other drugs. Others turn to illicit drugs or alcohol. Some try pseudo-religious movements such as transcendental meditation to find a solution for their lack of peace. Philippians 4:6-7 says:

“6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

How does the believer walk in the shoes of peace? Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that it is through prayer. Time alone with God in thankful, prayerful petition is the most effective inner tranquilizer. There is no solution to inner disquiet as effective as prayer. It always works. The peace of God transcends all understanding. That means the peace of God is above and beyond what we understand. It is more than we really need to see us through.

The next time you sense a great inner shaking or even just a slight inner disquiet, try prayer. Shut yourself away for thirty minutes or an hour alone with God. Use doctrinal praying. Pray back to God the truth of being “in Christ,” inseparably united with Christ in all of His person and work. Pray through your understanding of the Holy Spirit. Pray on each part of the believer’s armor. Thank the Lord for all of His grace and goodness. Tell Him about your anxieties and concerns. God will intervene to change things. It may be so gradual, you will scarcely know how or when it happens, but when you finish, you will discover the peace of God within your emotions. A quiet inner serenity and calm reigns even though the storm may still rage around you. I know that to be true both by experience and by the Word of God. In fact, if you are practicing this kind of praying regularly, you will discover the peace of God already there before the crisis comes.

The Scriptures are utterly practical and workable. The Bible works when we use its promises in every circumstance of life. Have you ever considered that your lack of inner peace may be God’s way of calling you to prayer? We have many marvelous electronic gadgets available to us today. A lack of inner peace could be God’s beeper signals to you. God may be calling you for an audience with Himself. He wants fellowship with you, and in the process He will restore to you that peace that transcends all understanding.

Prayer Point: Father, let your peace like a river flow over my life today in Jesus’ name.