We have been given access to the Prince of Peace, Jesus, through His finished work on the cross. When we are in active relationship with Jesus we have access to supernatural peace; the peace that surpasses our human understanding. Supernatural peace is not of this world. It’s not something we can muster up. Supernatural peace is peace the peace of Heaven.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“
In these verses Paul reveals a radical truth that must take hold of…we can come to the Father and present our prayer requests. Then in exchange He gives us His peace – a peace that is beyond our imagination! Moreover, He uses this supernatural peace as a guard to protect our hearts and minds. How good is our Heavenly Father?!
Need Peace?
Romans 3:23 reveals the reality of sin in the world, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That’s a lot of sin in the world! Even if each person only committed one sin, that’s A LOT of sin, but we know ourselves that we have missed the mark more than once. Sin leads to chaos, pain, and a deep lack of peace. Sin brings the opposite of peace.
Praise God for the ability to access supernatural peace in the midst of a chaotic world! We don’t have to live caught up in the chaos of this sinful world. It is possible to live in the world, but not be of the world. Jesus makes this possible. We simply have to learn to access Him and His peace!
After all, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). That means Jesus is the way out of chaos and into peace. He is the Truth that sets us free (John 8:32) and He provides abundant life. In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Jesus is the answer we can turn to in times where we need peace.
Supernatural Peace Is A Choice
We’ve already established that Jesus provides the access we need to step into peace. But what’s happening when we find it ourselves drowning in the swirl of negativity that often occurs in our environments? The short answer is that peace is a choice. In other words, we get to choose to live in the peace Jesus provides or the chaos of the circumstances of the world.
Matthew 8:23-27 is perfect example of the reality that peace is something we must choose to receive and live in. The disciples are in a boat with Jesus when a storm overtakes their boat (verse 24). Imagine the scene, the wind starts blowing and waves start crashing over the side of the boat. In this moment the disciples made a choice and they chose fear. Jesus, on the other hand, was sleeping in the boat. He was in the same storm, but made a different decision. Jesus chose supernatural peace!
Reflect – What do you choose when the “storms” of life come your way? Do you choose to live in supernatural peace or does fear overtake you? Why?
Keep Your Peace
Choosing to live in peace is a choice. It may seem unimaginable, but it is possible to be at peace regardless of any situation or circumstance in your life. We saw Jesus’ example when He chose peace and was able to sleep through the storm. The disciples, on the other hand, allowed the storm to steal their peace. In other words, they gave there peace away in exchange for fear that was caused by the storm.
We can make the same mistake the disciples made by allowing our peace to be stolen by negative things that happen in our lives. Have you ever let a co-worker get under your skin? Or maybe you’ve lost your peace when disciplining your children? How do respond when life gives you a squeeze? Are you still able to allow peace to guard your heart (Philippians 4:6-7).
If your answers to these questions are less than encouraging, don’t fret! Below are five practical ways to help you step into the supernatural peace that Jesus makes available!
5 Ways To Tap Into Supernatural Peace
#1 – Get in the Word
Joshua 1:8 NIV – “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
The Word of God is Jesus (see John 1:1,14) and Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Therefore, when we get into the Word of God we are spending time with the Prince of Peace. If you need more peace in your life then one easy way to do that is to spend time with Jesus, in the Word of God!
A religious spirit will keep you stuck in guilt and shame for not reading enough scripture or not reading long enough, but those are lies from the pit of hell. Any time you spend in the Word of God counts in building your relationship with the Prince of Peace.
#2 – Worship
Psalm 103:1-2 NIV – “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits”
Worship is a weapon. 2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV promises that the weapons of the Kingdom have divine power to demolish strongholds. When you’re facing a storm in life, worship can be the weapon that demolish the oppressing spirits of fear and anxiety. Worship turns our attention from the storms and onto the King. Whatever we focus on grows so if you find yourself in a storm turn your attention to the One who is peace.
Worship can take many different forms. You can sing out an original song from your heart or turn on your favorite worship album. Turning on instrumental music is another way you can use worship as a weapon for tapping into the supernatural peace of Heaven.
#3 – Pray!
Matthew 26:41 NIV -“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
In this verse we see how prayer prevents us from falling into temptation. The disciples fell into the temptation to be afraid when they focused their attention on the storm. Let’s learn from the disciples mistake and learn to “sleep” in peace.
Prayer is another powerful weapon that can help us move from chaos into peace. Whether you pray in your native language or in tongues prayer is an immediate connection to the Lord. Prayers of petition, thanksgiving, and surrender are just a few of the ways that we can cast our cares (1 Peter 5:7) and burdens on the Lord and remain in peace.
#4 – Spend time in nature
Romans 1:20 NIV – “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Nature is amazing! There are so many unique creatures, plants, and landscapes that the Lord has created for us to enjoy. His creation reveals His power and every time we are in nature we have the opportunity to encounter the Creator.
Where are some of your favorite spots in nature? Is the a special spot you went to as a child or the beach you visit every year? Or maybe it’s sitting on the porch in your backyard or at the edge of your pool at sunset. Whatever way you choose to enjoy nature it’s one of the easiest ways to step into the supernatural peace Jesus provides. Try it!
#5 – Be Still
Psalm 46:10 NIV – “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Supernatural peace is found in Christ alone. Sometimes stepping into peace is as simple as stilling ourselves long enough to remember that we are protected and provided for by the Great I AM. Meditating on this truth is another way to get back to peace. Even just ten minutes of being still and remember who He is can calm any storm in our lives!
