Walking in the Peace of God | Pastor Oyeyemi Adelaja

Theme: Shalom — God Our Peace

Main Texts:

• Philippians 4:6–9
• John 14:27

Supporting Scriptures:
Hebrews 12:14; Job 22:21; Judges 6:23–24; Isaiah 9:6; Colossians 3:15; John 16:33; Mark 4:37–39; Acts 12:6–8; Numbers 9:7–8; Psalm 46:10; Romans 12:18; Matthew 5:9; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 119:11, 165; Matthew 11:28–30; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 42:11; Psalm 126:4–6.

Introduction

Father, we thank You and we appreciate You. We bless Your name this morning. Thank You for bringing us into Your presence and for everything You are doing in our midst.

We worship You, we exalt Your name, and we magnify You. We give You all the glory, honor, and adoration.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we have worshipped. Amen.

Hallelujah!

God is good. Praise the Lord.

I want to welcome everyone into the presence of the Lord this morning. God has been so good and faithful to us. We have entered the ninth month, September, and we can testify that the Lord has carried us this far.

I appreciate God for the privilege to stand before His people and share His Word. I am only a vessel in His hands, and I do not take this opportunity lightly. I also appreciate our father, Reverend Abodu, for the privilege to minister this morning. He is away on assignment, and we pray that everyone travelling with him will return safely in Jesus’ name.

This morning, we are looking at Shalom — God Our Peace, with a particular emphasis on:

WALKING IN THE PEACE OF GOD

1. THE PEACE OF GOD

Philippians 4:6–9 says:

“Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything.”

This is one of the foundations of walking in God’s peace.

A person who worries about everything instead of praying about everything will struggle to walk in the peace of God.

But when we choose prayer over worry, Scripture says that we will experience God’s peace — a peace that exceeds human understanding.

Philippians 4:7 tells us that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus.

The passage then gives us another important instruction: fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

In other words, what occupies our minds matters.

We cannot continually feed our minds with fear, negativity, anxiety, and discouragement and expect to walk consistently in God’s peace.

We must deliberately fix our minds on God and His truth.

John 14:27 records the words of Jesus:

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you.”

Notice that Jesus did not say, “I am giving you the kind of peace the world gives.”

He said, “My peace I give you.”

This is a different kind of peace.

2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK IN THE PEACE OF GOD?

Walking in the peace of God means living with a deep and steady calm in your heart and mind that does not depend on your outward circumstances.

It means that even when life becomes difficult, your heart remains anchored in God.

It does not mean that you have no problems.

It means that your problems do not have the final authority over your heart.

There are people who are going through difficult situations, yet they remain calm, joyful, and hopeful because they know that God is with them.

They have confidence in God’s promise:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Walking in God’s peace means allowing God’s truth to govern our minds rather than fear, anxiety, or negativity.

Colossians 3:15 says:

“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”

The peace of God is not simply the absence of trouble. It is a supernatural peace that transcends human understanding.

3. PEACE IS FOUND IN GOD

The world is searching for peace.

People look for peace in possessions:

• “I have houses.”
• “I have cars.”
• “I have qualifications.”
• “I have money.”

Others look for peace in positions:

• “I am a director.”
• “I am a manager.”
• “I am a leader.”

Some look for peace in relationships or in other people.

But none of these things can ultimately provide the peace that only God can give.

We live in a world filled with uncertainty, fear, conflict, pressure, and anxiety. Yet for the child of God, peace is an essential part of the Christian life.

Hebrews 12:14 tells us:

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness.”

Job 22:21 says:

“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace.”

The more intimately we know God, the more we understand His peace.

Judges 6:23–24 gives us the account of Gideon. Gideon was afraid because of the oppression of the Midianites. He was hiding, but God appeared to him and said:

“Peace be unto thee; fear not.”

Gideon responded by building an altar and calling it Jehovah-Shalom — The Lord Is Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 also introduces Christ as the Prince of Peace.

Peace is therefore not merely something God gives.

Peace is part of who God is.

4. PEACE IS A GIFT, NOT AN ACHIEVEMENT

This is very important:

The peace of God is a gift, not an achievement.

You do not earn God’s peace because you have accumulated wealth, achieved success, or reached a particular position.

Jesus said in John 14:27:

“My peace I give you.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16 says:

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.”

God’s peace is made available to us through our relationship with Christ.

However, receiving God’s peace does not mean that life will become completely free of challenges.

Being a Christian does not mean that trials will never come.

Having God’s peace does not mean that storms will never arise.

Rather, God’s peace equips us to navigate the storms with faith, grace, courage, and trust in Him.

The challenge may still be present, but the believer does not face it alone.

5. WHY DO WE NEED THE PEACE OF GOD?

A. Peace Helps Us Withstand the Pressures of Life

Jesus said in John 16:33:

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus did not promise us a trouble-free life.

He promised us His presence and victory in the midst of trouble.

We need God’s peace to withstand the regular pressures, difficulties, and uncertainties of life.

B. Peace Helps Us Confront Our Giants

Consider the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.

Everyone saw Goliath as an impossible problem.

David saw the same giant, but he responded differently.

David said:

“Let no man’s heart fail because of him.”

David was not controlled by the fear that had captured everyone else.

He trusted God.

His confidence in God was greater than his awareness of the giant.

The important lesson is this:

Peace produces clarity and courage in the midst of confrontation.

When God’s peace rules your heart, there are certain decisions you will not make simply because everyone else is making them.

There are certain places you will not go because you have learned to listen to God.

There are certain things you will say “no” to because God’s peace is governing your heart.

C. Peace Helps Us Confront the Storms of Life

Mark 4:37–39 records the story of Jesus and His disciples in the storm.

A great storm arose. The waves were beating against the boat, and the disciples became afraid.

But Jesus was asleep.

Eventually, they woke Him and cried out.

Jesus arose, rebuked the wind, and said:

“Peace, be still.”

And the wind ceased.

There was a great calm.

The storm was real, but Jesus was greater than the storm.

When you walk in God’s peace, you can face storms without allowing the storm to take control of your heart.

D. Peace Is a Fountain of Joy

It is difficult to live in constant anxiety and experience genuine joy.

That is why Philippians 4:6 tells us:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.”

Worry drains joy.

Prayer restores perspective.

Peace allows us to rejoice even while we wait for God to act.

E. Peace Creates an Environment Where We Can Rest in God’s Work

Acts 12:6–8 gives us another powerful example.

Peter was imprisoned and was scheduled to face execution. Yet he was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with chains.

Peter was able to rest in the middle of a dangerous situation.

While Peter rested, God was working.

The angel of the Lord appeared, woke him, and led him out of the prison.

There is a spiritual principle here:

When we learn to rest in God, we give ourselves room to trust Him with what we cannot control.

F. Peace Creates Room for God’s Instruction and Direction

Sometimes we are so busy talking that we do not create space to listen.

We pray.

We worship.

We ask.

But then we must also become still enough to hear.

Numbers 9:8 records Moses saying:

“Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.”

Psalm 46:10 says:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

When we become still before God, we become more attentive to His direction.

Therefore, after you pray, be quiet enough to listen.

God still speaks.

6. HOW DO WE WALK IN GOD’S PEACE DAILY?

1. Make Peace With God

The first and most important step is to be reconciled to God.

Surrender your life to Christ.

Be born again.

Jesus Christ has paid the price for our forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Do not postpone your relationship with God.

Life is short, and eternity is real.

Make peace with God.

2. Fix Your Mind on Jesus

Isaiah 26:3 says:

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

What occupies your mind matters.

The world constantly competes for our attention through social media, television, entertainment, news, games, and many other things.

We must deliberately fix our minds on Christ.

Develop a lifestyle of God-consciousness — a continual awareness of God’s presence, goodness, love, and faithfulness.

3. Make God’s Word the Compass for Your Life

Psalm 119:11 says:

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

God’s Word provides direction.

It gives us wisdom for decisions and stability when circumstances change.

Psalm 119:165 says:

“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.”

If you want to walk in God’s peace, develop a relationship with God’s Word.

Read it.

Study it.

Meditate on it.

Apply it.

4. Pray Instead of Worrying

Philippians 4:6–7 gives us the pattern:

Do not worry. Pray.

When anxiety comes, take it to God.

When fear comes, take it to God.

When you do not know what to do, take it to God.

Prayer is not merely a religious activity.

Prayer is an expression of trust.

We must learn to say:

“Lord, I do not understand everything, but I trust You.”

5. Live Peacefully With Others

Romans 12:18 says:

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Peace is not only something we receive from God.

Peace should also become something we demonstrate toward others.

Live at peace with your family.

Live at peace with your neighbours.

Live at peace with your colleagues.

Live at peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Matthew 5:9 says:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

6. Let Peace Govern Your Actions and Reactions

Our actions should reflect God’s peace.

When something difficult happens, do not react immediately out of anger or fear.

Pause.

Pray.

Listen.

Trust God.

Then respond.

A peaceful heart does not mean that you ignore problems. It means that you refuse to allow problems to control your responses.

7. PRACTICAL DISCIPLINE: COME TO CHURCH READY TO RECEIVE

Every believer should develop the habit of studying and receiving God’s Word personally.

Come to church with:

• Your Bible.
• Your notebook.
• Your pen.
• A heart ready to learn.

Do not assume that you will remember everything.

Write down what God is showing you.

After the service, go back and study.

Be like the Bereans who examined the Scriptures carefully.

There may be something God wants to reveal to you personally through the Word.

8. BENEFITS OF WALKING IN GOD’S PEACE

1. Rest for Your Soul

Matthew 11:28–30 says:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

God’s peace brings rest to the weary soul.

It gives relief from the burdens of life and reminds us that we do not have to carry everything by ourselves.

2. Protection From Anxiety

The peace of God guards our hearts and minds.

Philippians 4:7 tells us that God’s peace surpasses human understanding and guards us in Christ Jesus.

3. Strength in Times of Trouble

Isaiah 41:10 says:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.”

God’s peace gives us strength because we know that God is with us.

9. SPEAK PEACE TO YOUR SOUL

Psalm 42:11 teaches us an important spiritual discipline.

Sometimes you must speak to your own soul.

When you wake up in the morning, remind yourself:

“Do not be discouraged.”

“Do not be disturbed.”

“God is still with me.”

“God is still working.”

“I trust God.”

“My situation will not remain the same forever.”

You may not have all the answers today, but you can choose to trust the One who does.

If you know that God will make a way, why should you allow yourself to be consumed by fear?

10. YOUR SEASON WILL CHANGE

Psalm 126:4–6 gives us hope:

“Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.”

Those who sow in tears will eventually reap with joy.

Your present situation is not necessarily your permanent situation.

Rain does not fall forever.

The sun does not shine forever.

Every season changes.

Whatever you are passing through today will not remain forever.

There is an end to the storm.

There is an end to the waiting.

There is an end to the tears.

God is able to bring restoration.

He is able to bring rain to your dry places again.

He is able to turn mourning into dancing and sorrow into joy.

CONCLUSION

Walking in the peace of God is essential for every believer who desires to live a victorious Christian life.

When you wake up in the morning, remind yourself:

I carry the peace of God.

The peace of God abides in my heart.

I will not be controlled by fear.

I will not be ruled by anxiety.

I will trust God in every circumstance.

My mind is fixed on Jesus.

God’s Word guides my life.

I will pray instead of worrying.

I will live at peace with others.

I will trust God even when I do not understand what He is doing.

The peace of God does not mean that there will never be a storm.

It means that the storm does not have the power to destroy your confidence in God.

Jesus is our peace.

God is our peace.

Therefore, let the peace of God rule in your heart.

DECLARATION

I will enjoy the peace of God.

I will walk in the peace of God.

I will not be ruled by fear.

I will not be controlled by anxiety.

My heart is anchored in Christ.

My mind is stayed on Jesus.

God’s Word guides my decisions.

I will remain calm in the midst of the storm.

I will trust God in every situation.

The Lord will strengthen me.

The Lord will help me.

The Lord will uphold me with the right hand of His righteousness.

Every heavy heart will receive comfort.

Every troubled heart will receive peace.

God will bring restoration to every dry place.

I will laugh again.

I will rejoice again.

I will testify again.

God will do it again.

What He has promised, He will fulfill.

I WILL ENJOY PEACE, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, we thank You for Your Word.

Thank You because You are the God of peace.

We ask that Your peace will rule in our hearts and minds. Help us to trust You in every circumstance. Teach us to pray instead of worry, to listen instead of panic, and to trust instead of fear.

Give strength to those who are passing through difficult seasons.

Bring peace to troubled hearts.

Bring rest to weary souls.

Bring hope to those who are discouraged.

Let Your peace guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

May we walk in Your peace every day of our lives.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray.

Amen.