Peace: What is it?
The American Dictionary defines Peace as: “Inner contentment, the absence of war, freedom from disagreement.”
The Hebrew word for peace is: Shalom which means: “In good relation with God and man, completeness, wholeness, health, safety, prosperity, soundness, perfectness, harmony, rest, fullness and tranquility.”
The Greek word for peace is: Eire’ne’ which means: “The blessed state of the devout and upright after death. The tranquil state of the soul after salvation in Christ.”
What does God’s Word say about Peace?
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Ps. 34:14
“Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them.” Ps 119:165
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.” Is. 26:3
“O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! Then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” Is. 48:18
“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
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Rom. 8:6
As Psalms 34:14 indicates, “peace is not abundant”. You must look for it and actively pursue it. Although you have to search for it, it is always readily available if you know the source: Christ. I love how Christ comforts all believers that are living in our chaotic and hard times.
We believers can have peace knowing that the one who has overcome the world is the one that protects us. By knowing we do not have to suffer eternal damnation, because of Christ’s gift of death on the cross we can have peace even in facing death! We know where our soul will rest for eternity, and that kind of confidence can carry us into the “smaller, everyday” situations we deal with.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding. I know that I have experienced this several times since my salvation, and it was only experienced after I gave my life to you. You are the rock that I stand on, and your rock can weather any storm that life throws my way. I am asking that you fill me with peace. I know when I emit a calm that the world cannot relate to, it will be something they desire. This peace will be a great testimony to leading others to you, as it is a rare jewel in this day and age. I ask that you give every believer the peace to handle all their personal situations and battles with the kind of dignity and grace that you would. We will overcome evil one day at a time, one obstacle at a time.
All for your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”