Introduction
The Lord of the universe and everything therein has promised His people His peace. The peace that the world cannot give because it does not have it. In this edition of our Newsletter, the nature of the peace of God and how it is accessed are discussed.
Nature of His Peace
Jesus gives us His peace not in the manner that the world gives it (Joh 14:27). The world gives from interested motives because it has either received or hopes to receive as much in return (Luk 6:33-34). For when the world says ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace” (Jer 6:14). Jesus gives it sincerely, substantially, and eternally (Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary) and His peace is secured. The wicked and the workers of iniquity speak peace to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts (Psa 28:3). But the peace of God surpasses all understanding and it keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Php 4:7).
The Way of Peace
It is very evident that the only source of peace for believers in the world is from Jesus Christ, the Lord. This is read from the greetings of Paul that “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (1Co 1:3, Gal 1:3, Col 1:2, 2Thes 1:2). He further adds “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Rom 15:13). It simply means that he petitions God to make believers joyous and peaceful for believing in Jesus Christ. If this is fulfilled in the lives of believer they would be settled in their hearts concerning their faith, and they would say with David that he was glad when he was invited into the house of God (Psa 122:1). They would no longer worship God or go to church grudgingly when they have joy in serving the Lord. “For having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). It is the power of the Holy Spirit that sheds peace abroad in the hearts of believers as He does with His love (Rom 5:5). The peace of God is already available to all believers but they need to be able to access it for themselves.
Accessing the Peace of Peace
The peace of God comes by living by His word. Our children would also have the peace of God if they are taught the Word of God (Isa 54:13). If this happens, they would not be seeking peace from the use of alcohol, drugs or inappropriate relationships and behaviors. It is this sure word of prophecy that gives light and shines in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the day star arises in the hearts of believers (2Pet 1:19), and to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide their feet into the way of peace (Luk 1:79). So then, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2Co 4:6). Therefore, the light of Christ crushes every dark deed that robs believers of their joy, and restores quietness in their spirits.
Again, as Isaiah puts it, “the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever” (Isa 32:17). Those who practice righteousness reap its effects, that is quietness in the heart and assurance forever. When mercy and truth meet, righteousness and peace kiss each other (Psa 85:10).
Moreover, to have peace is to avoid being carnally minded, because to be carnally minded is death; whereas to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Rom 8:6). This has been strongly emphasized by Christ Jesus, that in Him we might have peace but in the world tribulation but we should be of good cheer because He has overcome the world (Joh 16:33). Peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), so if the Holy Spirit of God lives in the hearts of believers, they would surely have the peace that is from above.
God, our Peace
God does not only give us peace but “He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Eph 2:14, 2Thes 3:16, Heb 7:2). The birth of Jesus Christ ushered us into Himself. it is written of Him that “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). There is no way to peace except by Him. As the prince of peace, He governs the hearts of those who desire to have Him as their King.
Control over nature and affairs of men
When God promises His people peace, He really means it. This is because He is All-Powerful and has control over everything that has the potential of playing down our peace. It is stated that “The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King forever (Psa 29:10). This tells that the Lord God has control over the flood, so He says “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isa 43:2).
Once you trust in Him as your king He would work things out to secure your peace even if He needs to change the hearts of people who are supposed to decide on your case. The Bible says that “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will” (Pro 21:1). God is King over authorities and all powers and that He controls their thoughts and decisions. He works on the behalf of His children and brings them the desired peace for their souls and spirit.
Conclusion
There is real peace for the children of God. This peace is sincere and certain and it is found only in Jesus Christ. It is not in material wealth but those rich in Christ have it. It does not matter whether one´s circumstances is good or challenging because God has shed it abroad in their hearts and nobody takes it from them.
Prayer: May the genuine peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of all, be with you and your household, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!