Life and Peace

Tuesday 17 October
READ: Prov. 3:1-10    
MORE LESSON:  Mal. 2:4-7

One of the pursuits of man in life is to have long life and peace. People are ready to do many things which they believe could prolong their days and guarantee their peace. Nations openly acquire weapons of war in the time of peace believing that it will deter other nations from confronting them. But many in pursuit of things which they think could bring them peace discover that the means of searching for long life and peace actually deprive them of same. For example, many have sought for money in ungodly ways and ended up not having peace of mind.

The writer of Proverbs taught us the secret to length of days and peace. One main key as taught by him is to walk in the fear of God. Since God chose us when we were undeserving, we have the responsibility to fear the Lord. The fear of the Lord is to shun every kind of evil; to live in reverent fear of Him. God promised to give to such a man a covenant of life and peace (Mal. 2:5). To enjoy life and peace you must trust the Lord. A man who has learnt to trust the Lord in all things will soon discover that he has been delivered from anxiety because he has learnt to cast his entire burdens upon the Lord, and to wait in hope after he has made his requests known in prayer,  You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you: Isa. 26:3(NLT).

One other way by which we can enjoy life and peace as seen in our text is to walk in mercy and truth. As we desire mercy from the Lord daily we must learn to show mercy to others; never turn down a cry for mercy as long as it is within your ability. Truth talks about faithfulness, though speaking the truth may put you at a risk of rejection, punishment or even something worse but it will pay off at the end of the day. Prov. 20:28 says mercy and truth preserve the king and his throne is upheld by mercy.

To enjoy peace and long life, acknowledge the Lord in all your ways. The Bible makes it clear that it is not in man to direct his own steps; therefore you must allow God to lead and direct all the affairs of your life, in decision making, choice of career, marriage partner, in embarking on projects etc. Don't take a decision without God's leading. This way you secure your peace and life since He will be with you in all the steps that you take. To honour the Lord with what you have is another way to secure your peace and life. When you give God His portion, be sure He will be committed to keep what remains for you. When you give God a tithe of what you have, He will rebuke the devourer (sickness, wastage, thief etc.) over what remains. He will give you peace over your health and household, and satisfy you with long life. No man finds lasting peace and enjoys good life without God. Walk in His way and enjoy life and peace.

Prayer/Action
*Ask for God’s covenant of peace  and abundant life, in Jesus’ name.
*Speak peace to everything that threatens your life and peace, in Jesus’ name.
*Ask God for grace to walk in the fear of God, mercy and truth, in the mighty name of Jesus.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I shall walk my way into greatness this month; the gate of hell shall not be able to stop me, in the name of Jesus.