Jan. 19, 2025

What Are Practical Steps to Finding Peace with God?

Ask Ralph: How Do I Find Peace With God?

Welcome back to “Ask Ralph,” your daily dose of Christian finance wisdom! Today, we tackle a question that's close to all our hearts: "How do I find peace with God?" In a world filled with uncertainties and anxieties, finding this peace is more crucial than ever¹. Stay tuned as we explore Practical Steps To Finding Peace With God and living a life anchored in His love and purpose.

Check out the full podcast episode:

Finding Peace Through Faith

The Bible offers profound insights into finding peace with God. Romans 5:1 tells us, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." ² This verse highlights the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of our reconciliation with God. Through faith, we acknowledge our imperfections and accept God's grace, which washes away our sins and bridges the gap between us and our Creator. Crucially, this also involves repentance – acknowledging our sins and turning away from them³. This change of heart is essential for receiving God's forgiveness and experiencing true peace.

It's important to understand that the peace God offers is different from the temporary peace the world offers⁴. Worldly peace is often dependent on our circumstances – our finances, relationships, and health. But God's peace is a deep-seated tranquility that transcends understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, regardless of our external circumstances⁴.

Biblical Verses on Peace

The Bible is filled with verses that speak to the peace that God offers. Here are a few to meditate on:

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." ⁶ This verse emphasizes the unique and enduring nature of God's peace, distinct from the fleeting peace the world offers.
Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." ⁶ This verse highlights the importance of trust in God as the foundation for lasting peace. When we fix our minds on Him and His promises, we find stability and serenity amidst life's uncertainties.
Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ⁷ This verse reminds us that God's peace is a supernatural gift that transcends our comprehension. It's a protective shield that safeguards our hearts and minds from anxiety and fear.

Seeking God's Presence

One of the most powerful ways to find peace with God is to actively seek His presence. This involves cultivating a deep and personal relationship with Him through prayer, meditation on Scripture, worship, and practicing gratitude⁸.

Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. It's an opportunity to pour out our hearts to Him, express our gratitude, and seek His guidance⁵. When we make our requests known to God with thanksgiving, His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds⁹.

Spending time in God's Word allows us to immerse ourselves in His truth and promises. As we meditate on Scripture, we gain a deeper understanding of God's character and His unwavering love for us⁹.

Worship is an expression of our love and adoration for God. Through music, singing, and reflection, we connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His presence in a tangible way¹⁰.

In addition to these practices, cultivating an attitude of gratitude is essential for experiencing God's peace⁹. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, both big and small, it shifts our perspective and opens our hearts to God's presence.

Stories of Transformation

Countless individuals have found peace with God and experienced profound transformations in their lives. Amy Haake, for example, shares her story of how God rescued her from depression and anxiety¹¹. Through her faith in Christ, she found healing and a newfound sense of purpose.

Another inspiring story is that of James, who found peace and meaning in life after turning to Christ¹². His testimony reminds us that no matter our past or current circumstances, God's love and forgiveness are available to all who seek Him.

These personal transformations often lead to a desire for responsible stewardship in all areas of life, including our finances.

Faith and Finances

There's a strong connection between faith and finances. Christian financial resources emphasize the importance of stewardship and wise financial management as an expression of our faith¹³. Organizations like Crown Financial Ministries and Compass - Finances God's Way offer valuable resources to help Christians align their financial decisions with biblical principles¹³.

GuideStone is another excellent resource that aligns with these values. They provide financial solutions for individuals, families, and organizations, equipping believers to lead resilient lives and advance the Kingdom of God¹⁴.

When we view our finances through the lens of faith, we recognize that everything we have comes from God. This perspective fosters gratitude, contentment, and a sense of responsibility in managing our resources¹⁵.

Christian Books and Podcasts

For those seeking further guidance on finding peace with God, there are numerous Christian books and podcasts available. Charles Stanley's book, "Finding Peace: God's Promise of a Life Free from Regret, Anxiety, and Fear," explores biblical principles for overcoming anxiety and experiencing lasting peace¹⁶.

Podcasts like "Finding Peace in God's Word" and "Peace in His Presence" offer insightful discussions and practical tips for cultivating peace in our daily lives¹⁷.

Christian Music for Reflection

Music can be a powerful tool for reflection and connecting with God. Worship songs like "Firm Foundation (He Won't)" by Maverick City Music and "The Blessing" by Elevation Worship offer messages of hope and peace, reminding us of God's unwavering presence in our lives¹⁹. Instrumental music can also create a peaceful atmosphere for prayer and meditation²⁰.

Conclusion

Finding peace with God is a journey that begins with faith in Jesus Christ and involves repentance, turning away from our sins. By seeking His presence through prayer, Scripture, worship, and gratitude, we can experience the transformative power of His love and forgiveness. This peace transcends our circumstances and empowers us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. Remember, true peace comes from a relationship with God, not from external circumstances⁸.

As you cultivate your relationship with God, may you experience the abundant blessings of His peace in your finances and in every aspect of your life.

Works cited

The End Of Worry | How To Find Inner Peace In Jesus - YouTube, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ_qGTFv2RQ
10 Bible Verses to Help us Dwell in God's Peace - Strength with Dignity, accessed January 9, 2025, https://strengthwithdignity.com/10-bible-verses-to-help-us-dwell-in-gods-peace/
Having Peace with God: A sermon on Romans 5:1-2 - Martyn Lloyd-Jones Trust, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/book-of-romans/having-peace-with-god/
How You Can Experience the Peace of God - Every Day of Your Life! | The Worship Center, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.theworshipcenter.org/blog/how-you-can-experience-peace-god-every-day-your-life
Sermon: Making Peace With God | Lifeway, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-making-peace-with-god-reconciliation
www.worldvision.org.uk, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.worldvision.org.uk/about/blogs/our-favourite-bible-verses-about-peace/
50 Bible Verses About Peace - Encouraging Scripture Quotes, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/peace-bible-verses/
How to Experience True Peace Through a Relationship with God - CityRise Church, accessed January 9, 2025, https://cityrise.org/blog/2024/03/27/the-power-of-reconciliation-embracing-god-s-message-of-peace-copy
How To Have Peace During Life's Ups and Downs - Love Worth Finding, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.lwf.org/fruit-of-the-spirit/how-to-experience-peace-during-lifes-storms
Songs Of Peace - Worship Together, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.worshiptogether.com/lists/songs-of-peace/
How God Rescued Me and Gave Me Peace - Cru, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.cru.org/us/en/how-to-know-god/my-story-a-life-changed/my-story-amy-haake.html
True Stories - In Search of Peace - Churchlink, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.churchlink.com.au/churchlink/true_stories/james.html
Christian Financial Resources, accessed January 9, 2025, https://faithworksfinancial.org/christian-financial-resources/
GuideStone, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.guidestone.org/
Faith and Finances: A 21st Century Biblical Guide for Growing, Protecting and Using Your Money, accessed January 9, 2025, https://faith-finances.com/book-sales/hzl0qyntnvshmd7ax8hcmdys76p6yf
Finding Peace: God's Promise of a Life Free from Regret, Anxiety, and Fear: Charles F. Stanley: 9780785288602 - Christianbook.com, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.christianbook.com/finding-peace-promise-regret-anxiety-fear/charles-stanley/9780785288602/pd/88608
Finding Peace in God's Word Podcast - Sarah Geringer, accessed January 9, 2025, https://www.sarahgeringer.com/finding-peace-in-gods-word/
Peace in His Presence - Apple Podcasts, accessed January 9, 2025, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-in-his-presence/id1443248237
10 Worship Songs About Peace [With Tutorials], accessed January 9, 2025, https://worshiponline.com/worship-songs-about-peace/
PEACE : Christian instrumental & prayer music // Christian meditation music // Instrumental worship - YouTube, accessed January 9, 2025, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ExEEhUwWsQM&pp=ygUOI3NhbHRvZnRoZXNvdWw%3D

Ralph V. Estep, Jr.

Christian Financial Consulting

Ralph V. Estep, Jr. is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in finance, accounting, technology, and entrepreneurship. As the principal at Saggio Management Group, Inc., he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in various roles throughout his career.

Ralph's educational journey began at St. Mark's High School in Newark, Delaware before attending the University of Nebraska where he was an esteemed member of the Cornhusker Marching Band and had the privilege of performing at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Continuing his pursuit of knowledge and excellence, Ralph earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Delaware. He further expanded his academic achievements by obtaining a Master's in Business Administration from Wilmington University.

Throughout his professional journey, Ralph has been recognized for his outstanding accomplishments and commitment to excellence. He is a member of prestigious organizations such as the Golden Key National Honor Society and Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society.

With an extensive range of professional designations including Licensed Public Accountant (LPA), Accredited Business Accountant (ABA), Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA), Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP), and Internal Revenue Service Registered Tax Preparer (RTRP), Ralph possesses comprehensive expertise in tax preparation and financial management.

Beyond his impressive qualifications, Ralph has actively engaged with various community programs as bo… Read More

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