By Staff
Peace is an absence of conflict, but it also reflects an undisturbed state of mind, or serenity. Peace is the state we long for on the world scene, but we also seek inner peace.
The shepherds in the Judean hills outside Bethlehem heard the angels say on the night Jesus Christ was born, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14).
In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 9, verse 6, it is prophesied of Jesus that His name will be "Prince of Peace." Jesus Christ is the author of peace. He is the only source of lasting peace on earth from generation to generation.
Worldwide peace among men on the earth will occur when Jesus establishes His kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:4). In the meantime, as the nations rage against God and each other, and the evil of mankind rises up even to heaven, there is the peace of God that can keep the believer in Jesus Christ serene and secure in the midst of the most terrible storms of life.
There is what's called peace on earth, there is peace with God, and there is the peace of God. Global peace on earth will not happen without the direct, forceful intervention of Almighty God.
Peace with God was achieved for every one who would believed in Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary. The Apostle Paul said in the book of Romans, chapter 5, verse 1, "Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Paul also said in the book of Colossians, chapter 1, verse 20, that Jesus "made peace [for us] through the blood of His cross." The prophet Isaiah declared in Isaiah, chapter 53, verse 5, "The chastisement for our peace was upon Him." We who were enemies of God because of our sin now through belief have peace with God because of the death of Jesus Christ.
The peace of God is the inner strength and composure we can have because of the power of Jesus Christ indwelling us by His Spirit. Jesus told His disciples in the gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 27, "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." This peace Jesus was speaking of had to be an inner peace because He said in the gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verse 51, "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division." The claims of Christ on the lives of His followers would even cause families to be divided in loyalties (Luke 12:53).
Jesus had peace through all His difficulties. The Apostle Peter says of Jesus in 1 Peter, chapter 2, verse 23, "When He was reviled, [He] did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously."
As with most things in the Christian life, the peace of God in our hearts is not automatic; it must be developed and nurtured. In the book of Philippians, chapter 4, Paul exhorts in verse 1, "Stand fast in the Lord." In verse 4, he says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" In verse 6, he admonishes us to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God." As we are diligent to think about God and His goodness, Paul says, in verse 7, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
The mind is the gateway to our heart. It is how we think and what we think about that determines our heart condition. Words and phrases have power. It is amazing how saying, "There is a God and I am not Him," "God is in control," or simply quoting Romans 8:28 (i.e. "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose") can change our outlook.
If our focus is right, we can live out Colossians 3:15: "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts."
We can have peace when there is no peace.