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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, ESV).
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is not the Prince of anxiety, doubt, or fear.
For years, I’ve struggled to keep the Prince of Peace enthroned in my soul. Too easily, I replace Jesus with frustration, worry, and confusion. I’ve found my life easier with better sleep and little fear when I walk in God’s peace.
As I want to keep God’s peace, I often ask myself this question when making decisions: Will this choice give to or take away my peace?
We live in an age of anxiety, with Satan working his wiles to take away our peace. His attacks can be ruthless, but let’s remember that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
What have I learned about keeping my peace?
- Replace anger with peace.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:15a).
When something bad happens, respond from peace, not anger or frustration. After seeking the Prince of Peace, then speak or act. The word “rule” in Colossians 3:15a means “to act as an umpire.”
Allow Jesus and not retaliation to arbitrate our actions.
- Make decisions from peace.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
From the Prince of Peace, we get wisdom that surpasses understanding. Sensing the presence of God is key to gaining insight into our decisions. Decisions made in peace often don’t make rational sense, but they do give peace.
Again, the question: Will this choice give to or take away my peace?
- Keep thoughts fixed on Jesus.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3, NLT)
The Hebrew word for “fixed” means “to lean or rest on.” Dallas Willard, in his book Renovation of the Heart, writes. . .
The ultimate freedom we have as human beings is the power to select what we will allow or require our minds to dwell upon.
We have the ability and responsibility to try to retain God in our knowledge—if only in an inadequate and halting manner. And those who do so will surely make progress toward him; for if we truly do seek God as best we can, he, who always knows what is really in our hearts, will certainly make himself known to us.
In the upcoming Christmas season, let’s receive this gift from our Prince of Peace. . .
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid (John 14:27).