Unstable relationships, unstable economies, unstable morality. All too often the mantra comes out “Do what you want to do, don’t think about the consequences, because the only thing that counts is your happiness.”

In the middle of it all, how do we find real peace?

How do we live lives that, while taking these things into consideration, do not adopt them, and are also able to live lives that are characterized by peace in the face of them?

I think the key is found in John 16:33. These words of Jesus came just hours before He would be crucified, and the lives of the disciples would be rocked to their very foundations. Jesus, anticipating this, and also the persecution to come after His resurrection looks to put their minds at ease with these words:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

The world is at odds with the purposes of God. Yet the good news here is that even with that, Jesus offers us peace. His peace. He says in John 14:27…

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

In order to find the peace of God in unsettling times, you need to put first things first: gain peace with God. You can’t have the peace of God until you have peace with God.

The plain fact of the matter is that outside of Christ, you are considered an enemy of God. That is the lot of all who reject Christ, or refuse to accept His offer of eternal life, which He purchased on the cross.

That’s kind of harsh you might think. Maybe, but it’s the truth and I’d be lying to you if I didn’t tell you what the Bible says in order to spare feelings.

Enemies are not at peace with each other. That’s what being an enemy is all about. God doesn’t want you to be His enemy. He wants you as His child. He sent Jesus to make it happen. Jesus would rather die than see you live your life as an enemy, because there’s a penalty for that – eternal life in torment.

Five disciplines for a life lived in the peace of God. P E A C E - The first one is to…

1. PRE-EMINENCE OF GOD Understand God’s rule and authority.

God is in control, from beginning to end, and that ultimately, His plans will succeed.

Jesus said that He has overcome the world. He did that in His death, in which He conquered sin and its power, and in His resurrection in which He conquered death and its power. He also did that in giving us His Word, so that we could find direction in living for Him and comfort in His promises. God is sovereign. He is on the throne of heaven, and there is no getting Him off.

2. EXERCISE OBEDIENCE Live in obedience.

Sin hampers your relationship with God, but obedience brings peace, because you can enjoy the favour of God that He promises to those who obey. So if you want peace, live in obedience.

3.