Peace
When I think about the word PEACE, and this is very fitting considering the season we have entered. The Christmas season, in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came to bring us peace on earth…but also recognizing that due to many reasons that this time of year isn’t always the most joyous or peaceful for many. But when I think about the word PEACE a few things come to mind…
The amount of times that Scripture tells us to “not fear,” to “not be afraid” because God is with us, that He hasn’t left us, that regardless of what’s going on around us, no matter what we are going through…that we can have PEACE because He is near.
I think of the Apostle Paul…Paul, who wrote basically half the New Testament, 4 of the books from prison (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon). I think of all he faced for the cause of Christ. Being shipwrecked, beaten multiple times, stoned, jailed, and he knew many a cold, hungry, sleepless night. And yet, he remained full of peace. His attitude and focus fixated on Christ. No matter his external circumstance, he remained consumed with peace.
The apostle Paul knew that peace comes from knowing God (and how do we know God, the same way we know anyone, by spending time with Him and in His Word). And he knew the peace of God when he wrote in Philippians 4:7, remember from prison, he wrote: “Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.”
Did you see that? Paul says, “this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Paul is telling us because of God, and the coming of Christ to this earth that PEACE is not about what surrounds us. It’s about what WE DO WITH what surrounds us. It’s about what we do with it in our hearts, in our minds, and then in our actions. PEACE isn’t just about finding serenity. It is something that we find with and through the challenges of our lives.
Jesus promised a different PEACE, for those who believe in him. A PEACE that will keep your mind safe— Jesus said: I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. (John 14:27).
Paul is telling us that whatever the circumstance, whatever difficulties we are facing, we will be kept in PEACE in spite of these circumstances. What he is NOT saying is bad things or difficult things will not happen; rather, what Paul is saying is that God will keep your heart and your mind in a state of PEACE no matter what happens. It is a peace that is not of this world that God gives that quiets you, calms you, reminds you that He is still in control.
Peace. 🙏🏽
