Introduction: Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He died on the cross to bring us peace with God. He also offers us the peace OF God. How can we have God's peace in our hearts?
I. We need to quit sinning (Isaiah 48:22 says there is no peace for the wicked.) If you have stolen, or been unfaithful, or cheated, and so on: I pray that you will NOT have peace. I pray that your conscience will bother you. I pray that you will repent, and get right with God, and apologize to the person you have sinned against. When we lead upright lives, God fills our hearts with peace.
II. We need to trust in God (Isaiah 26:3-4).
Isa 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isa 26:4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
III. We need to trust God patiently (Isaiah 40:29-31). He doesn't always answer our prayers in a day, or even a week. You may pray for years before seeing God's hand at work. He has His own timing.
Psa 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Isa 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isa 40:30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
Isa 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
IV. We need to trust God in sickness and suffering.
James 5:10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
James 5:11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
V. We need to trust God in spite of the prosperity of the wicked. Sometimes it seems as if non-Christians have got it made. We wonder if we have been going the wrong way all these years. David had the same thought, but he wrote in Psalm 37:
Psa 37:1 Of David. Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
Psa 37:2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Psa 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Psa 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psa 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
Psa 37:6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Psa 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
VI. Make the goals of your life spiritual, not material.
1 Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Tim 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
1 Tim 6:8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Tim 6:9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
1 Tim 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Tim 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
VII. Count your blessings. Give thanks. Think on the good God has given you.
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Conclusion: In this sinful world it is easy to lose your peace of mind. It is a temptation to be materialistic. It is a temptation to let our peace depend on the attitudes and actions of people around us. But if we want peace in our hearts, we need to look to God, and trust in Him, and think about Him, and all His blessings. May the peace of God fill your hearts today. Amen.