“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NLT
“Peace is not a vacuum; it is the ample fullness of God.”
My thoughts today are about “the reality of peace.”
Peace seems to be an elusive thing much of the time – for nations, relationships, marriages, and individuals. The best peace that any one of us can attain by our own efforts is rather fragile. You work to get it all together, then some small thing happens and it all starts falling apart.
What is peace, really? Let’s begin with what you think peace would be, but isn’t. Peace is not the absence of trouble; if that were true how many people would ever enjoy peace, and even for them it would be short-lived. That one mistaken assumption allows people to overlook where they would have found peace, but instead were looking for an indefinable place that does not exist – a place where there is no trouble.
Let me tell you where you will not find peace. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble!” John 16:33 NIV. Could that be stated any more plainly? There is no ambiguity there. So, if this world with its troubles and disharmony is where you are looking, you will stay very disappointed.
Now, let me tell you where God says you will find peace. “In Me you will have peace.” John 16:33 NIV. Peace does not happen in a vacuum. God’s peace is the presence of everything you need in order to be at peace. That is the literal translation of the Hebrew word for peace, “shalom.” Real peace is not found in an emptiness of all that is troubling; true peace is the ample fullness of God and all that is good! Paul’s prayer for every Christ-follower was, “That you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 NKJV.
Peace is a quiet confidence of heart and spirit that God is sufficient for you, whatever the present circumstance. See 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV. You lack nothing when you have all that God is, and has, and gives.
“In Me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV. Note the clear contrast: in Jesus, in the world. In Jesus, there is peace! In the world there is trouble! It’s that simple. Where are you going to look to find peace? Here is Jesus’ promise then and now, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV.
The Bible says this about peace, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on You . . the fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest – though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely.” Isaiah 26:3NLT/17-19 NIV. Weren’t expecting that last part were you? When and where would you need peace more?
My prayer for you today is: walk in peace with God; enjoy the peace of God!