“You [God] will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you” Isaiah 26:3
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines peace as “a state of tranquility or quiet” and “a freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions’. This definition of peace is often in line with what most of us think when we are asked to define peace. However, when we explore the Hebrew word for peace - ‘šālôm’ and delve deeper into its biblical meaning, we see a wide semantic range of meanings including notions of totality and completeness, success, fulfillment, wholeness, harmony, security and wellbeing. The word shalom is taken from the root word ‘shalam’ which translates to the meaning “to be safe in mind, body and state”. In short, it describes a total and complete security in our day-to-day life. As I’ve studied and explored, I’ve come to discover how the world’s peace is different to God’s peace. The peace we experience in this world is temporary and short-lived whilst the peace God offers is permanent and everlasting.
Romans 5:1 says “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” As a believer, I have come to understand that peace was made with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This in turn restored the relationship that we have with God the Father, allowing us to access His peace, through the son and by the Holy Spirit. As a follower of Christ, we can be comforted knowing that salvation brings about peace, we do not need to live in constant fear thinking that our sins are a barrier between us and God. When we allow our lives to be Christ centred, we see the peace of God fill our lives, even in the midst of trouble. If you want to access the peace of God, you must first have peace with God. In Phillipians 4:7, it says “ - Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” When we focus on the words “exceeds anything we can understand” it highlights the inability to understand the sense of calmness we experience when we are going through issues of life. Things may not be going exactly to plan but you feel a sense of hope and faith knowing that God is in control and therefore in turn you are not stressed about the result or the outcome of the situation. We need to also understand that living life as a follower of Christ doesn’t mean we are going to live a problem-free, perfect life. As a believer, we know the road will not be easy, but we trust that God will take care of us through the journey. The famous Psalm 23 speaks in verse 4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me” As followers of Christ, we know that God is behind us in the journey and in turn, knowing this brings us peace. God’s peace may be beyond our comprehension but not beyond our grasp.
I previously mentioned how earthly peace differs from the peace God offers us. Jesus boldly says in John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give you is a gift that the world cannot give. So do not be troubled or afraid.” Earthly peace is never enough, it is not everlasting and therefore it will never last long enough to quench the feeling of peace that we need and long for. Earthly peace is temporary. When we look at some examples of earthly peace, we think of instances such as holidays and spa getaways.These outlets never last long, they last for a short period of time before we get back into normal hectic lifestyles. The peace that we find on earth is dependent on circumstances and therefore can change at a moment’s time. Whereas as I previously mentioned, the peace that God offers, grants us hope in uncertain times. We may not necessarily know the outcome, but what we do know is that God is in control. Psalm 46:1 reminds us “God is our refuge and our strength, always ready to help in times of trouble”. When you're overwhelmed in the midst of trouble, be still - and know that God is in control (Psalm 46:10).
The peace God offers is accessible to anyone and everyone. All you have to do is put your faith in Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is the ‘Prince of peace’ (Isaiah 9:6) and the ‘Lord of peace’ (2 Thessalonians 3:16). The peace of God is accessible through Christ’s sacrifice and by the comforter - the Holy Spirit. So let Him reside in your heart today and bring about his everlasting peace that is beyond comprehension.
Be blessed,
Honour x
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