Peace

Peace; quiet, serene, lovely peace. If only we could always live in a peaceful garden, complete with roses, butterflies, big puffy clouds…you get the picture. Reality quickly jumps to inform us that this picture of peace is not realistic and the world is quite willing to hand you an artificial “make love not war” kind of peace instead. But Biblically, this is not peace. True peace from God is not based on man's natural desires and inclinations, but rather on tranquil contentment and satisfaction in knowing that God is in control and that He has a far greater plan than we could ever imagine. This kind of peace will last far longer than the world's fake peace because it is of God and given by God to man.


We must first understand that true peace is of God. If God is not a part of our “peace,” then it cannot truly be peace. It is only temporary happiness. Philippians 4:6-7 say, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This verse tells us that if we make our requests known to God in prayer and supplication that God’s peace will keep our hearts and minds. We won’t have to lay in bed at night worrying or crying from a broken heart because God’s peace will “keep” our heart and mind through times good and bad. Unfortunately, most people only believe that there is peace in good times. They do not realize that they are fooling themselves and it is because of this belief that so many of them break down or become depressed during the bad times.


Since peace is of God, it is only through Him giving it to us that we can obtain it. “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11) “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) God is the giver of peace. The ceasing of war, the stopping of murder, the end of a President’s term in office etc. will not bring peace. God, and God alone, can give true peace and His peace is “not as the world giveth.” The world can give you all sorts of “peace.” Just read the lyrics to a song called “Imagine,” by John Lennon.


"Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try,
No hell below us, above us only sky,
Imagine all the people, living for today.
Imagine there's no countries, it isn't hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too,
Imagine all the people, living life in peace.
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one,
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.
Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people, sharing all the world. "


Peace given to us by God is the only true and lasting peace regardless of what the world may say.


Another characteristic of peace is that, because peace is of God and given by God, it will not be given to every person on earth. “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people…” (Psalm 85:8 emphasis added) “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psalm 119:165 emphasis added) “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Those that love God’s love, make known the desires of their hearts to Him, and ultimately are His children, will be given peace. A true Christian who loves God with all of their heart, soul and strength, will have no reason to worry, but will have total and complete peace in knowing that their Heavenly Father has it all worked out. These are the people who will have peace.


Peace is a wonderful gift from God. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world that naturally hates God. There will be many fake and artificial types of peace offered by those of the world, but we must keep in mind that these types of peace are only temporary and are truly, not even peace at all. The peace of God is long lasting and beautiful. Don’t let it slip away.

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.