Peace is ours

If life was a University, I decided to major in Peace 13 years ago. Life was good yet, I went through many changes. The lack of peace was catching up with me and was affecting my health.
God taught me valuable lessons I still practice today. Year after year, I've used these principles in order to have peace and to live in peace.

Peace starts on the inside

You can't give what you don't have. I can't be a peaceful person if I don't have peace on the inside. For years, I thought that peace was going to fall on my lap. I couldn't be more wrong. I learned that my journey to peace started with surrendering to God and allowing Him to change me from the inside out.

Jesus is the Prince of peace

I read the Bible because I wanted to know what God thinks about the topic of peace. It turns out, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy announcing the birth of Jesus. In it, we learn that Jesus will be called Prince of Peace. I have learned to take this title seriously. I can't find peace outside of its very Prince. Jesus spoke about peace. One of my favorite verses is John 14:27:

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

I meditate a lot on this scripture. I learned that I play a part. I can't let my heart be troubled or afraid.

We are to pursue peace

I really thought that peace was going to fall on my lap. Psalm 34:14 proved me wrong.

"Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it."

I developed the habit of seeking peace and pursuing it. I can say that my life improved because of it. To keep it simple, I seek God first. I physically rest and recharge. I pay attention to my thought life. I guard what enters my mind and I make sure that God's word has the priority in my mind. There's more but these simple steps have made a difference in my life. I'm thankful.

We are to live in peace with others

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18
I appreciate the brilliance of God's word. The verse clearly states, "if it is possible, as far as it depends on you." We can only do our part. We can't change others. We are only responsible for ourselves.
This can be complicated but trust me, I've been there. Following God's wisdom is worth the initial discomfort. He doesn't want you to be mistreated. He wants you to be free. When we live with peace with others, as far as it depends on us, we are free.

Peace is ours. It is ours for the taking. Jesus is the Prince of peace and He wants you to pursue Him.