Peaceful

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

While the world is always talking about wanting peace, it is a peace that allows everyone to do whatever he wants to do. The world does not have a rock solid standard of how to live life, it is up to each individual and each situation.

When everyone is living by his own standards, there can be no real peace.

Paul encourages that all types of prayer be made for everyone, especially kings and those in authority. The purpose of the prayer is so that they may live peacefully in all godliness and holiness.

Most people in the church desire peace across the world and will pray for it on a regular basis. Some will pray for the leaders of their nations and lower level governmental officials.

However, just like the world, they pray for it so that they can live as they want, not necessarily as God wants them to live.

Many churches have peace with the world, because they are living as the world does–in sin. The standards of godliness and holiness are often put to the side, causing the church to look and act like the world does.

Jesus did not come to remove sins so that one could sin more, but so that he could live a godly and holy life as a witness to this dark and dying world. Every believer is to live a life that is separate from the world.

Prayer and thanksgiving must be made for every leader, so that the believer may be able to live a godly and holy life in peace.

Each and every day take time to pray and give thanks for those who are leaders over you from the workplace all the way up to national leaders. Pray that God will work in their lives in such a way that they allow you to live a godly and holy life.

Then, instead of living like the world in sin, live as Jesus did–in godliness and holiness in everything you think, say and do. Turn away from all sin to God. This is what will please God and why Jesus died and rose again for you.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will pray and give thanks to God for all leaders in authority above you; that you will live a holy and godly life like Jesus; and that you will be give peace to live for God.

There the LORD will be our Mighty One. It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. Isaiah 33:21

Isaiah is describing Jerusalem in the future, in which the city will be rebuilt and there will be peace. God will be the King of the city and all the enemies will be removed. He states that the place will be like a place of broad rivers and streams.

Broad rivers are a place of peace and life. All along the banks of a river, one will see trees and plants. Many animals will come to its banks to drink of the water. The water will be flowing a smooth, but steady pace. The waters are not raging and roaring, but calm and peaceful.

Narrow rivers tend to be very rapid, fast flowing rivers. This is especially true during times of heavy rains. Rivers that are great for white-water rafting are usually narrow. There is very little peace and calm about them. They are all about excitement and fast movement.

The world wants everyone to be in a fast-paced movement, constantly doing something. The reason for this is that God wants a believer to be still and know that He is God and the world does not want the believer to know God. Moving a fast pace causes anxiety and fear. There is very little peace in moving quickly.

Take a look at your life and see what the pace is. If you are like the average person, it is probably moving rapidly. There are many things to do, places to go, and people to see. It is difficult for you to slow down and listen to God.

Invite God into your life. Slow down enough to meet with Him. God is never in a hurry, because He is in control and knows everything that is happening and will happen right now. Find the peace and life that God can bring in your life.

Wherever God is, will be like a broad river. There will be life all around Him and there will be peace at the center.

Which river are you next to today?

The narrow, fast paced river?

Or God’s broad, slow-moving, peaceful, life-giving river?

I pray today that you will know God in your life; that you will allow Him to be the king and ruler of your life; that you will know His peace and life that He can give you; and that you will not fear this world.