How to make peace with God

Dear Chaplain: I am going through a really difficult time and I don’t know what my outcome is going to be. I haven’t thought about God or religion most of my life. But I did go to a Presbyterian church when I was growing up. How do I make peace with God? — Signed, Needing a Piece of Peace Dear Needing a Piece of Peace: Thank you so much for your question. I am very sorry about the difficult time you’re going through. Please know that you are not alone. It’s not unusual for people grow up with religious teachings and faith and to get away from their spiritual upbringing as they enter into adulthood. Often, it’s not until people find themselves in situations where they have to rely on their faith that they realize there’s a need for spiritual strength and a connection with God.

In Christianity, we believe that God knows all things, sees all things, hears all things, and understands all things. We also believe that he is a merciful God who’s more interested in us getting back on track than beating us up for not getting it right, even if we’ve gotten it wrong for years. Although you haven’t thought about God, know that he’s thought about you. In fact, he’s been right there with you down through the years. I know this because he promises never to leave or forsake us, but to be with us always, even to the end of age.

When we were separated from God in the garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve chose to sin, it caused us all to have a naturally sinful nature. However, God in his infinite mercy immediately prepared to make peace with us through extending his only begotten son, Christ Jesus, to receive the punishment we deserved, in place of us. Yes, God made peace with us first through the death of Christ on the cross. (“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross…” Col 1:19-20) And in return it is up to us to make peace with God: 1. By accepting that the Lord is God and we are not. (“Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.” Psalm 100:3) 2. By accepting God’s peace offering by believing on his son who died for us. (“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1). 3. By asking for forgiveness, daily. (“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. 1 John 1:19). 4. By relying on God. (“Oh let him rely on My protection, Let him make peace with Me. Let him make peace with Me”. Job 21:5) 5. And by having a personal relationship with God. (“...he [Abraham] was called the friend of God”. James 2:23).

And know that communication is the key in maintaining peace in any relationship, including a relationship with God. So I encourage you to listen to God. He speaks in a quiet still voice within us. He also speaks through people, music, nature and his holy scriptures. I encourage you to pray often, being completely yourself and authentic about how you feel and where you are. And then “allow the peace of God to rule your heart” (Col. 3:15) as you are go through this difficult time.

May God bless you and keep you. Ask the Chaplain is written by Rev. Dayna Spence, an ordained minister, licensed evangelist, and chaplain who’s served as a hospital chaplain and is currently serving as a hospice chaplain Chester County area. Please email “Ask the Chaplain” at 4thechaplain@gmail.com or write to, PO Box 1284, West Chester, PA 19380.