Sentry of Peace In a world that is continually feigning to be seeking peace, there is very little discovery of it, even for those in nations that are not engaged in war. The cessation of conflict, lack, or infirmity may provide a sense of peace in the passing of its storm, but there is often a lingering sense of fear, discouragement, or hopelessness that prevents the benefits and rewards of peace. There may be a substance that provides a sense of escape from life’s challenges, but the lessening of the senses is but a temporary illusion that is not real peace. The provision of things and the acquisition of titles or triumphs may bring moments of pleasured exhilaration, but adjustments to status and surroundings alone will not bring the sense of peace the soul is continually thirsty for. The world peace that the beauty contestants ascribe to working for cannot be fully found in anything the world may offer. It can only be received as a gift from the presence of Jesus, the Savior. Quite apart from an alignment of worldly conditions, there is an adjustment to the soul that is completely independent of any circumstance in the experience of the Prince of Peace, the One who came to remove the power of any condition to disrupt perfect peace. When no reasoning of man could explain the rejoicing and thriving of a soul, its reality of peace can be one that will never cease when it is established in Him. While this peace is a gift received by all who receive Him, there is a need for security to preserve its benefits. The world is continually bombarding the mind with fear and anxiety that inhibits the heart’s experience of peace. However, when the choice is made to let peace guard the heart, every thought and every rumbling of life’s thunderstorms will be taken to the presence of One who has carried it all for us. Instead of being ruled by the deceptions of the mind, peace from this gift of Him will set up a sentry on both the heart and mind. Those blessings that only come in the realm of perfect peace will be known by those who seek His presence and His thoughts above the world’s. Even when it would seem that circumstances would disable any possibility of relief from those chronic challenges, the greatest security system ever created will never fail those who choose to live within its jurisdiction. Notes Where there is no peace: There is uncertainty and distrust Fear dominates Life becomes fragmented and unproductive Relationships fail Oppression brings poverty and lack Focus is fractured Anxiety overwhelms With peace: Inspired confidence Freedom from fear’s inhibitions Enabled progressive productivity Unity in relationships Prosperity in heart, mind, and resources Focused attention and mental acumen Cares are cast with assurance of resolution What is peace? Isn’t just a lack of surrounding conflict. just ignoring struggles just silencing the noise of chaos just overcoming/triumph Is Focus on the certainty of good aligned with righteousness and truth separated from the corruption of evil wholeness with completed purpose a gift with a relationship True, unfailing peace comes only as a gift John 14:27 (TPT) 27 “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous! Guarantee of Peace in Him Romans 5:1-2 (TPT) 1 Our faith in Jesus transfers God’s righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us. 2 Our faith guarantees us permanent access into this marvelous kindness that has given us a perfect relationship with God. What incredible joy bursts forth within us as we keep on celebrating our hope of experiencing God’s glory! Yet Peace requires security Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. The heart represents emotions, desires, fears, and passions. The enemy attacks the heart through: Fear Offense Worry Discouragement Anger Bitterness Peace stands guard over the heart from threats against the mind. The gift of peace (from Christ) guards the heart that chooses the promise of His presence over the clamor of chaos. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. With every thought focused on Him is a guard placed on the heart. Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! How is it challenged? “Kept” nâtsar naw-tsar' A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.): - besieged, hidden thing, keep (-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve (-r), subtil, watcher (-man). How to ensure the heart is guarded by peace: Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Choose your guard Colossians 3:15 (NLT) 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Yield to the guard of peace over every thought with the Word as its weapon. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (TPT) 5 We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. To be guarded by peace is to be set apart in holiness 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (TPT) 23 Now, may the God of peace and harmony set you apart, making you completely holy. And may your entire being—spirit, soul, and body—be kept completely flawless in the appearing of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. 24 The one who calls you by name is trustworthy and will thoroughly complete his work in you. Overview Without Peace Fear and anxiety dominate Focus becomes fractured Relationships suffer Life loses clarity and productivity Hearts become vulnerable to discouragement and oppression What True Peace Is Not merely the absence of conflict Not denial or escape from problems A gift received through relationship with Jesus Confidence in God’s goodness regardless of circumstances Wholeness, stability, and alignment with truth Jesus: The Source of Peace Gospel of John 14:27 Jesus gives a peace the world cannot provide: lasting, unfailing, courageous, and independent of circumstances. Peace Must Guard the Heart Book of Proverbs 4:23 The heart must be guarded because life flows from it. The enemy attacks through: fear, worry, offense, bitterness, discouragement. How Peace Guards Us Epistle to the Philippians 4:6–7 Pray about everything Refuse anxious worry Give thanks Trust God completely Result: “Prayer”+"Trust"→"Peace"→"Guarded Heart and Mind" Perfect Peace Comes Through Focus Book of Isaiah 26:3 Perfect peace belongs to those whose minds remain fixed on God. Peace Is a Choice Epistle to the Colossians 3:15 We must allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts rather than fear or chaos. Peace Protects Through Truth Second Epistle to the Corinthians 10:5 Every thought must be brought into obedience to Christ so peace can remain established within us. Prayer Father, thank You for the gift of true peace found only in Jesus Christ. Thank You that Your peace is not fragile or dependent upon circumstances, but steady, powerful, and eternal. Teach me to guard my heart and mind by fixing my thoughts on You. Where fear, anxiety, offense, discouragement, or confusion attempt to enter, let Your peace stand watch over my soul. I choose today to surrender every care, every burden, and every troubling thought into Your hands. Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart above every voice of fear and chaos. Strengthen me to walk in faith, truth, holiness, and confidence in Your promises. May Your peace preserve my spirit, soul, and body, and may my life reflect the security and stability found only in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen. Declarations Every threat of lack, worry, fear, discouragement, or failure that could challenge my peace has been overcome by my Savior. His peace has become my eternal gift, ever-present, enabling peace that passes understanding. I bring every disrupting thought or condition to Him and receive the gift of peace as a guard over my soul. His peace is unfailing in keeping my mind and heart, and is my continual choice in prayer and meditation. Perfect Peace Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace Whose mind is stayed on Thee Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace Whose mind is stayed on Thee Far from the faltering uncertain place You’ve made the way to Your own throne of grace The soul is established where fear cannot go With steps boldly taken where Your presence is known. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace Whose mind is stayed on Thee Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace Whose mind is stayed on Thee Where are the hauntings of wandering hope Where is their power to seize and to hold They’ve all been cast down they’ll torment no more The mind’s been delivered to rise and to soar Capture my heart Own every passion Find here a mind stayed on You Form now Your peace to its fullest perfection Safe in the knowing that in Your love I’m held