“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

The past few years have brought a gamut of emotions and realizations while pondering on the trials of life and the things we endure in this world. The words of Jesus Christ have been one of the go-to verses brought to my remembrance in those times, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) It is encouraging to hear this stated to the disciples and to read through the epistles that He truly give us peace as believers in Christ.

Peace. It is a word I had not focused on over the years in the hyper charismatic movement. Quite the opposite seemed to push itself to the forefront. The need to frequently engage in spiritual warfare and to seek after the next supernatural encounter as drawing closer to God took precedence. Resting in God and trusting His sovereignty and His ways was given lip service in a roundabout way, but ultimately, it was up to you to make something happen. I realize some may not see it that way, and I mean no disrespect or accusatory manner in stating such a thing. Having said that and having talked with numerous people over the past few years who have also come out of this movement, they express similar sentiments without provocation.

For those who may or may not relate, these are some of the situations one may find themselves. What would happen if you went through that fire tunnel one more time? You would show how hungry you were for God and maybe that specific time would change everything. What if you prayed more, fasted more, lifted your hands and jumped up and down more during corporate gatherings? You could prove you were a true radical worshipper of God. What about giving? The minister said God would protect you if you gave more in the offering. Why aren’t you giving more? Don’t you realize you are robbing God according to Malachi 3?

What about getting an impartation? If you could get a specific minister to lay hands on you, then you would be anointed and powerful as you have been told you should be. If you had supernatural encounters such as dreams, trances, and visions, then you would know you hear from God personally and that you truly have fellowship with Christ. If you prayed in tongues for one hour, two hours, or more, and people could hear you do it, you would be built up more spiritually and the devil would be afraid of you. If you decreed and declared enough, then every problem would have to cease because of the power of your words, and if you got one more session of inner healing or had deliverance performed, then you would finally be free without any issues ever again.

The list goes on and on, and if it sounds chaotic, that’s because it is. It is also exhausting and gospel deficient. You do not feel exhausted while involved because you’re busy fighting the devil and defeating him. There is no resting in God. Obtaining the mirage of power is confused with the peace of God. The proverbial hamster wheel is in rapid motion, spinning away and going nowhere. The next spiritual fix is just around the corner, and before you know it, you’re addicted to the hype, the sensationalism, and the excitement in public gatherings of personal prophetic words, binding the devil, and charismatic preaching catering to the carnal nature of man. You leave Biblical discernment at the door while attempting to discern all around you where the next demonic spirit might be lurking that is waging war against the great coming move of God.

Coming out of this movement exposed the lack of peace I had within it and being on the other side of it while going through difficult times brought the blessing of His peace and rest in Him. It sounds upside down and topsy turvy compared to the teaching of not talking about sickness or difficulty and not giving power to any of it, of binding, decreeing, declaring, and denying reality. True peace came in trusting the Lord and acknowledging the truth in accordance with His Word. It took time, and it was not easy. It was lonely and soul crushing at times. I was angry at myself and confused at times. I was heartbroken and anxious at times. The delusion of thinking I was ten feet tall and bulletproof has been corrected lovingly by God by His Spirit and by His written Word. It is good to be brought down low and to remember who has all authority. Being at peace with God and having the peace of God has been liberating in ways so seemingly simple yet so amazingly deep.

What is the difference, you may ask? Peace with God centers around the gospel of Jesus Christ and His atonement for our sins in satisfying the wrath of God you and I rightfully deserve for rebelling against God. In His love and mercy, God sent His Son to be our propitiation. Our sin was imputed to Him and in return, His righteousness was imputed to us. For those who have faith alone in Christ for salvation, we have been reconciled to the Father, and we have peace with God. We have no fear of death and eternity. We are no longer at enmity with God. We have been brought close because of Christ Jesus. It is glorious news!

Having the peace of God is a sweet rest in understanding He does not owe me anything I ask for in prayer and that no matter the outcome, He is faithful, good, gracious, loving, and merciful. It is a settled trust not in the desired outcome of a difficult situation or trial, but in the One I trust. That precious peace has become more evident over the past few years. It is resolved in knowing the truth of His Word and that no experience will satisfy like He does. There is nothing to prove. I am not the Savior. He is. He doesn’t need my help. He is all sufficient. That understanding is sufficient as His child.

Were it not for His loving kindness drawing me to repentance, the hamster wheel would not be vacant. There would be no rest, no peace of God. It took time to understand and to come to terms with the truth. It took brutal honesty and difficult situations to reach this point, and if I had to go through it all again, I would because being at peace with God and having His peace is more precious than a lap on that wheel any day.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Listen to this episode of The Lovesick Scribe podcast where we discuss the peace of God and having peace with God: Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace – The Lovesick Scribe Podcast | Podcast on Spotify