Doesn’t the idea of peace just sound … peaceful?
Webster defines peace as a freedom from disturbance; a quiet and tranquility.
The biblical concept contains the above idea but appears to be more akin to position than feeling—it’s a removal of enemy faction or a steady unwavering position amidst any circumstance.
Though peace drums up thoughts of sunny beaches with lemonade in hand, the reality is, we can have peace in any situation, problem, or difficulty.
While the disciples were in an upper room before the crucifixion, Jesus told them that He was going to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, and the next verse says, “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). Obviously
In the Psalms we are told to seek and pursue peace (Psalm 34:14), that God blesses His people with peace (Psalm 29:11, 147:14), and that righteousness and peace are tied together (Psalm 85:10). But perhaps my favorite comes from Psalm 119:165—”Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.”
When you love God’s Word, you experience a great peace.
This isn’t about merely loving the Word of God in Text (The Bible) but also loving the Word of God in Person (Jesus)—when Jesus came to earth incarnate within the womb of a young woman, the angels cried out before the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14).
Peace on earth is now possible because the Prince of Peace has been born (see Isaiah 9:6).
Yes, we are to seek and pursue peace (Psalm 34:14), but the Prince of peace has first sought us (see Luke 19:10 and 1 John 4:19). He has given us His Spirit, the Spirit of Peace, to bring comfort, help, and, yes, even peace, in our lives.
I came across a statement this week that stirred my thinking on this subject. The concept was that if I didn’t have great peace, it was because I didn’t love God’s Word enough.
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165).
Do I love the Word and THE Word (Jesus) enough?
Without a doubt, my love can always deepen, increase, and expand. But the truth is, if I am lacking peace, it is because I need to embrace the Prince of Peace more.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Perhaps your life is in turmoil. Perhaps the winds and the waves are causing you to fear and think drowning in the circumstance is the only option. Be encouraged, “Then Jesus arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39).
May the peace of God rule in our hearts and lives. Peace isn’t merely a feeling, it’s a position of calm, strength, and focus amidst life’s battles. And you are IN Christ, in the Prince of Peace, in Jehovah Shalom—the God of peace (see Colossians 3:15, Judges 6:24, Isaiah 9:6).
Know I am cheering you unto that end!
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