Not for Sale: Peace of Mind

Not for Sale: Peace of Mind Devotional Reading June 4, 2023

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” —Romans 15:13

The pressures of life from routine duties and unexpected events along with constant news regarding the economic decline and increasing social problems and crime on every level have many wishing for an escape from the vicissitudes of an out-of-control world. Van and RV Life has hundreds of individuals and families joining and promoting a lifestyle that promises freedom and peace. And one in five city dwellers is leaving to pursue a simpler life in rural [country] areas.

We can purchase acres of land with silky blades of grass, magnificent shade trees and a brook flowing with clear, cool water, still, peace of mind does not come from placing ourselves in an environment of quiet seclusion or joining the popular nomadic lifestyle. Nor is peace the concerted effort to just breathe or attempt to empty the mind using erroneous man-made techniques.

Yoga, CBD, alcoholic drinks, meditation [that does not include focusing on the Most-High and Holy God], chants, stress-relief gummies, New Age music, relaxation apps, and everything for sale promising peace of mind are feeble attempts to soothe the minds and souls that are disconnected from the Creator God.

New-age is a genre of music intended to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism. It is used by listeners for yoga, massage, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management to bring about a state of ecstasy rather than trance, or to create a peaceful atmosphere in homes or other environments. Wikipedia

Many Christians financially support the companies that promote these deceptive modalities as providing peace of mind. They are brainwashed because they have accepted the temporary and hypnotic effect on their minds to equal God’s, Divine Peace. A euphoric state of mind easily becomes something that we will desire every day. And they begin to tell others about the wonderful products that produce calming effects on one’s mind.

The Spiritual Warfare of viewing the company’s countless ads on Social Media convince us their peace of mind products will make a difference in our mental and emotional status. With the current social and economic problems we face, Satan knows that humanity is desperate for any semblance of peace. And the profit margins increase as society becomes addicted to anything legal that is promoted to take the edge off and provide “peace of mind”.

Fact Check: When life’s challenges produce stress, we are vulnerable and willing to purchase empty promises. Yet the reality is that peace of mind is not an item that can be bought with a credit card.

What Does it Mean to Have Peace of Mind?
Peace of mind, from a biblical perspective, involves more than just relieving anxiety or stress. It involves your entire soul being at rest (2 Corinthians 2:13) because you’re trusting God (Isaiah 26:3) and presenting your concerns in every situation to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). True peace of mind comes from God, rather than from anyone or anything in the world (John 14:27). Not only does God give people peace, but “he himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). That kind of peace of mind is completely reliable in any circumstances. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/scriptures-on-peace-of-mind.html

The History of Seeking Peace Outside of God: “Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.” —Isaiah 2:8

The pursuit of peace of mind through other methodologies including idol worship is an ancient practice. Even in biblical times, the Israelites were stressed out because God required obedience. So, they embraced alternative lifestyles that enabled them to escape the pressures of living a godly life. The book of Isaiah contains many warnings from God to give up idol worship.

Pagan worship practices have always included the use of mind-altering substances. Many of the Israelites were involved in idol worship which included Child Sacrifice. God had to specifically address this horrible practice, “You shall not give any of your offspring to offer them to Molech…” (Leviticus 18:21). It is impossible for parents with sound and sober minds to sacrifice their children.

“Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink…” Isaiah 5:22.

Why didn’t the Israelites have peace of mind? Most did not love God or desire to serve Him. When comparing God’s Righteous laws to the wicked and pleasurable pagan practices which included substances that produced a temporary state of euphoric peace, they followed their heart’s desires.

Jesus’ Promise: 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. John 14:27

Peace is a Spiritual gift from Jesus Christ. The believer is nourished with a life-sustaining inner tranquil calmness despite their external circumstances. Unceasing prayer and diligent study of the Scriptures along with surrender and obedience allow us to receive Jesus’ peace.

Peace is a result of obedience–seeking and striving to live in the perfect will of God. The receiver has met the spiritual criteria of loving God and remaining loyal to Him by always putting God first. Prayers of daily surrender demonstrate our desire to faithfully trust and obey the Creator God. Sweet peace permeates our entire being [mind and soul] when we are aligned with God’s will.

Although obedience to God requires intentional human effort, we cannot achieve true obedience without the intervention of the Holy Spirit. We need Divine help 24/7 to stay on the Path of Righteousness.

“Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty” (1 Samuel 12:21). God’s righteous principles will never change. We seek alternative modalities to give us peace because we do not have the desire to fully surrender and trust and obey God. Deep within our hearts, we know that God does not accept any form of compromise. So, we replace Spiritual peace with purchasing the empty promises of worthless things.

Despite our attempts to bypass God and redefine peace, we will never have true peace of mind without a steadfast relationship with Christ. Satan can manifest many things, but he cannot manifest God’s precious gift of peace. Nor does humanity have the ability to replicate any product that resembles the peace that passes all understanding. Spiritual peace flows from heaven to earth!

Without a relationship with Christ based on love, faith, trust, and obedience, we cannot and will never enjoy the Divine gift of everlasting peace. God’s peace is priceless!

Scripture: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7

Jesus’ Prayer of Humility: “Not my will but Your will be done.”

© 2023 Steps2successwithsolutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries