The Peace Of God In Our Souls?

[Ian Gentles]

What is the peace of God in our souls? Obviously it must be a felt thing, an assurance, a calmness! Scripture tells God's Spirit will witness with our spirits, how is this known, felt?
Seems to me in life's turmoils, and stress, that we all need such a peace. If a person dosent have it, experience something, what does this say about them? Is this peace a deep assurance that whatever comes a persons way God is in control? Is it a felt assurance of God's love?
I see many of us going through difficult times of different sorts, all needing, maybe yearning, for a peace of God to flow into us, and through us.
When grandad died i went home from college for , I think it was Easter break! I was so stressed out, I worried about mom now having to be on her own, and the fact i was about to leave her to visit London. I was walking, and i almost seemed to take one step out of turmoil into peace. I have never experianced anything like that since!
We all may have yearning for peace of God, what in fact do we hope for? For me it would be, and not saying this is right, a calm assurance that I am the "Beloved" of God, that all will work out, that God is truly with me. Others may have different ideas, what are they?
Does God's peace come in different ways to different people, or is it a more uniform thing?
Have we actually got this peace in our day?
One more story, as a young boy was at camp fire on last night of Sunday School camp at Kilmacolm in Scotland. As we sang, i looked at the stars, and really did yearn for Jesus to come back right then! In a way I knew that life away from that special moment would be hard. It was a sense of perfect union with Jesus. Why dont we experiance peace like children often do?
Just adding yet another thought, is it that children just accept, and dont reason, or debate theology?

[Ian Gentles]

Just another story another angle. I was about age 13 at boarding school, and felt strongly the Sabbath was to be kept. But I gave in, and played a soccer game on a Sunday. I will tell you now, I lost all peace, and have never regained that peace i knew in childhood! Why is this i must ask, what happened?

[Brenda Jackson]

Ian

Peace for me is having the feeling that I am living above the cloud level, in the glorious sunlight of God's presence, above all of the trials in my life, soaring like an eagle above them and having the knowledge that everything is in His control and all I have to do is to respond to everything that comes to me day to day, as His will for me, even the bad things, they are allowed by Him so sent by Him to work good things in me.

[Paula Karr]

Ian

Peace for me is having the feeling that I am living above the cloud level, in the glorious sunlight of God's presence, above all of the trials in my life, soaring like an eagle above them and having the knowledge that everything is in His control and all I have to do is to respond to everything that comes to me day to day, as His will for me, even the bad things, they are allowed by Him so sent by Him to work good things in me.

Your use of the eagle analogy is interesting. Today Joel Osteen (referred to in another thread) spoke on how important it is for us to see ourselves as eagles. His analogy was that when chickens start to pick at us and crows start to get in our face and "caw" at us, we have the power (with God's help) to behave as eagles and soar above all the negativism that surrounds us. I'm sure an eagle COULD sit there and allow itself to be overwhelmed by the other situations, but eagles have enough common sense to rise above danger and challenges.

I have a lot of respect for you, Brenda. You seem to recognize that even in the midst of less-than-ideal circumstances, you CAN control some things, and you are stronger for that attitude. And in none of the telling of your circumstances have you made your situation sound like complaints. It sounds more like you're saying, "it is what it is," and you choose to make the best of it. Your faith in God despite your circumstances is a lesson to all. Thank you for sharing.

Paula

[Brenda Jackson]

Hi Paula

The thing about the eagle is that it uses the air currents in a thunderstorm to lift it even higher. The Lord has taught me how to survive, it is not me, I gave up at one point, I think it was to show me that I have no strength of myself and so that I will never take any credit of it. I am just the same as anyone, and anyone can be strong in the Lord.

[Ian Gentles]

Although you dear friends use lovely pictures, and they are worthy, question back down on solid ground is, "What is this peace"? We live in reality of joy, trails, and i hope peace. No offense meant to any, but what is it theologically? I am not trying in any way to be bad, and rejoice in your testemonies, but was trying to get scriptural theological answers, God Bless!
I hope i raised many questions and illustrations in origenal post for consideration and debate!

[Charlotte Mercer]

Well, for starters, if it really is, as the bible claims "peace that passes all understanding," then by definition we won't be able to fully explain it. I am certainly no theologian, so my response may not be the theological answer that you're looking for, but I can tell you what little of it I do understand.

It seems to me that peace should be the natural outcome of faith. Over and over again, the bible tells us, "don't be afraid" and "don't worry." It tells us over and over in countless ways that God is in control and all we have to do is trust Him and believe in Him. It seems to me that if we can just do those things, we'll have peace. We may not have that overwhelming sense of it that you described in your stories, Ian, but what if that's not the only peace God offers? In my experience, peace doesn't always have to be the sort of moment that you'll remember for the est of your life. Yes, those are wonderful, and they certainly remind us that God is still with us, but most of us probably don't have those moments often, and from what I've read of the bible, the peace that God promises seems to be more of a steady thing. It seems to me that most of the time peace isn't an overwhelming sensation that lasts for a few minutes. It's standing in the middle of a difficult circumstance and saying, "Yes, life kind of stinks right now, but God still knows what He's doing, even if I don't." It's knowing that you don't need to be "good enough," because God is. It's knowing that we serve a God more powerful than the trials we face, and that He loves us and will help us to get through them.

[Brenda Jackson]

OK Ian, maybe this is more the answer you were looking for ;

the peace of God comes through having the soul healed of all hurts in the past which is the cause of our sins because once we are healed (entirely sanctified) we can forgive deeply and completely and have assurance that we ourselves are forgiven.

[Paula Karr]

Although you dear friends use lovely pictures, and they are worthy, question back down on solid ground is, "What is this peace"? We live in reality of joy, trails, and i hope peace. No offense meant to any, but what is it theologically? I am not trying in any way to be bad, and rejoice in your testemonies, but was trying to get scriptural theological answers, God Bless!
I hope i raised many questions and illustrations in origenal post for consideration and debate!

Ian, I'm going to say something very straightforward to you. I'm already expecting your response that I'm judging you or not being kind.

One of the many symptoms of depression can be the tendency to over-analyze everything. You continually ask questions and never seem to be satisfied with any answer that is other than what you've already made up your mind it is to be. I've seen many posts where people have tried to offer you helpful suggestions and compassion, but you seem determined to reject them. That is your choice. But has it every occurred to you that it may not be everyone else who is incorrect? Perhaps the person who most needs to open his mind and see a different point of view is the person you see in the mirror when you shave.

Your over-analyzing on every issue has GOT to be keeping your mind and spirit in an uproar. No wonder you don't understand peace. May I remind you of the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

Many of us on NazNet have lived with depression for years. Some of us have been hospitalized for it. But those who are living with it in a way that allows us to be productive are those who have quit fighting against those who are trying to help. We have taken medications (some of us have taken YEARS to find the right combination of meds). We have worked with therapists (some of whom -- HORRORS -- were not Christian therapists, but were wise, trained people who helped tremendously). We have learned to embrace those who offer a hand of friendship and compassion, rather than figuratively smacking their fingers.

I've said all that to say this. I bear you no ill will, and hope and pray for only the best for you. But I will not be drawn into allowing myself to be a target for your negativity and lack of appreciation for what the fine folks of NazNet have tried to do for you.

May you find:

The serenity to accept the things you cannot change,
Courage to change the things you can,
And wisdom to know the difference.


Paula

[Richard Call]

Ian, May I call your attention to some very helpful scriptures: (1) Luke 2; 14, NIV, "14"Glory to God in the highest, and (on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.")(2) John 14: 27, " 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (3) John 16: 33, "33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (4) Romans 5: 1, "1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," (5) Finally, but not finished, Philippians 4: 8-9, "8Finally, 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. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

The secret to, and knowledge of, peace is contained herein. I suggest you carefully study these, and other like scriptures and evaluate your whole relationship to God. Peace is not necessarily and emotion, or, a feeling. It is faith resting in the bosom of the Lord while the world and its troublesomeness surrounds you.

Peace to you, Ian

[Barbara Moulton]

Well, for starters, if it really is, as the bible claims "peace that passes all understanding," then by definition we won't be able to fully explain it.

Now that's a good answer!

[Ian Gentles]

OK Ian, maybe this is more the answer you were looking for ;

the peace of God comes through having the soul healed of all hurts in the past which is the cause of our sins because once we are healed (entirely sanctified) we can forgive deeply and completely and have assurance that we ourselves are forgiven.

Yes that is an excellent answer. I believe we have to walk openly before God having dealt with any spiritual hindrances. Even the hurts of the past, if held on to will hinder that peace!

[Ian Gentles]

Ian, I'm going to say something very straightforward to you. I'm already expecting your response that I'm judging you or not being kind.

One of the many symptoms of depression can be the tendency to over-analyze everything. You continually ask questions and never seem to be satisfied with any answer that is other than what you've already made up your mind it is to be. I've seen many posts where people have tried to offer you helpful suggestions and compassion, but you seem determined to reject them. That is your choice. But has it every occurred to you that it may not be everyone else who is incorrect? Perhaps the person who most needs to open his mind and see a different point of view is the person you see in the mirror when you shave.

Your over-analyzing on every issue has GOT to be keeping your mind and spirit in an uproar. No wonder you don't understand peace. May I remind you of the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

Many of us on NazNet have lived with depression for years. Some of us have been hospitalized for it. But those who are living with it in a way that allows us to be productive are those who have quit fighting against those who are trying to help. We have taken medications (some of us have taken YEARS to find the right combination of meds). We have worked with therapists (some of whom -- HORRORS -- were not Christian therapists, but were wise, trained people who helped tremendously). We have learned to embrace those who offer a hand of friendship and compassion, rather than figuratively smacking their fingers.

I've said all that to say this. I bear you no ill will, and hope and pray for only the best for you. But I will not be drawn into allowing myself to be a target for your negativity and lack of appreciation for what the fine folks of NazNet have tried to do for you.

May you find:

The serenity to accept the things you cannot change,
Courage to change the things you can,
And wisdom to know the difference.


Paula


I actually raise subjects that interest me, and i hope many of us. Also I do try and keep threads alive. Many post have nothing really to do with how I am feeling at any one time, this may be surprising.
I feel as we grapple new threads that we learn from others, and our minds are sharpened by our debates.
The christian life is such that we often hear phrases used like "The Peace of God" without really knowing what the speaker is talking about. That it "passes all understanding" seems to say, "Hey i am at peace in these circumstances and this is great!"
There is also that, seemingly, great peace in major trials, one no humane can explain.