Another Four Steps to Peace! (By Pastor Dave)

“Peace 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.”
John 14: 27
 
Psalm 37: 1-6
 
     On Wednesday we considered four steps from Philippians that will help us walk in the ‘Perfect Peace’ that God gives. The fourth step was ‘Practice’ – how we actually walk in peace. Today I’d like us to look at four more steps that help us put into practice our walk in peace. We will look at the beginning of Psalm 37 which I also mentioned in that blog. This world does not give peace, we find our hearts troubled and afraid. We often though get out of step with the Lord and find ourselves fretting; a state the Psalmist directs us not to be in (vs. 1). Instead he calls us to:
 
Trust vs. 3a – in the Lord. The steps we looked at on Wednesday will help us into that place of trust and then to step out in faith. The Psalmist helps us further in that walk, he calls us into action, to put our faith into practice by ‘doing good.’ The focus of ‘doing good’ for others, for the world and to God’s glory gives us a sense of purpose and helps us to walk in the way of peace; it is our faith in action. Next we are to:
 
Dwell vs. 3b – in the land. This means we are to live in God’s presence through Jesus, in His Kingdom. If we do this we are told that we will enjoy safe pasture. This reminds us of the Lord being our Shepherd and how He provides for us, protects us and guides us on His path of righteousness (Psalm 23). Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the Bread of life giving us all we need. This will help us to:
 
Delight vs. 4 – ourselves in the Lord. Being in His presence and getting to know Him will give us great joy and peace. It is like, but far more wonderful than, being in the presence of someone’s company we love. As we delight in Him He gives us the desires of our hearts. This doesn’t mean all the material things we desire or self-accomplishments we seek; it means the real desires of our hearts are met. We receive peace, purpose, joy and all the spiritual blessings we will ever need (Ephesians 1: 1-10 and Wednesday Morning Prayer online). Finally we are called to:
 
Commit vs. 5-6 – our way to the Lord. As we walk in His way in the delight of His companionship we are to daily and consciously commit all we do and how we live to the Lord. He promises then to make us right with Him and direct our paths
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To Ponder: What causes you to fret? How might you apply these steps to that issue to help you walk in the way of Jesus’ peace?
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus I ask for your peace: where I despair, doubt, fear or fret help me to trust in you, walk in your presence and delight in you and commit my way to you. Bless me with your provision and joy and guide me in your righteousness. This I ask in your name. Amen
 
Praise: Peace like a River
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF6n49nKrXA
My Peace
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls01XGV7oA0