“Submit to God and be at peace with Him.” Job 22:21 NIV
“In God, peace! In this world, trouble! You choose!”
My thoughts today are about “a peace like no other.”
There isn’t a lot of peace in people because there isn’t a lot of peace around people. You are surrounded by nations in conflict, both internally and internationally. National economies are faltering and fluctuating wildly with uncertainty. From man-made calamities, to severe weather events, and to natural disasters, the world often seems a place in turmoil. Peace of mind is a precious commodity, and pretty scarce for a lot of people. We are a global community more than any previous generation. With technology, instant communication, and travel, the furthest place on the globe seems just next door. Whatever impacts a part of the world today, touches much of the rest of the world as well.
What worries you and troubles your peace today? Consider this; is it bigger than God can handle? Your peace is related rather directly to your honest answer. People seem to have a basic misconception about the source and nature of peace. Peace is not the absence of problems, as most assume. The more you count on being free of troubles, the less peace you will enjoy. How often does an absence of problems occur, anyway? The Hebrew understanding of “Shalom” was the presence of everything needed for peace of mind and heart, not the absence of what troubles hearts and minds. Whenever and wherever true “Shalom” is experienced, you will find Jesus there.
You may feel temporary tranquility when all is well, but it is possible to have undisturbed and enduring peace in the midst of a problem. Jesus fostered no illusions; “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV. Did you notice the contrasting distinction Jesus made? In Me, peace! In this world, trouble! You choose! This really is one of those times when it is Who you know, not what you know or where you are. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:3 NLT.
I have known people who have so much, yet stay worried and fearful all the time. I have known others in severe struggles who experience a “peace of God that surpasses all understanding.” See Philippians 4:6-9 NIV. The advice to Job was this: “Submit to God and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you.” Job 22:21 NIV/NKJV. Submission is a heart trusting completely in God’s hands. You will not find lasting peace until you make peace with God. Peace begins within a heart submitted to God, and “at peace with Him.”
The Bible speaks of peace with God, peace from God, and the peace of God. Peace with God describes a right relationship with God. Peace from God results from those supernatural impartations from God in life’s emergencies. The Peace of God explains an abiding presence of the Prince of Peace, at home in your heart and trusted with all that concerns you. Jesus offers you this, “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.” John 14:27 NKJV. God’s peace is independent of circumstances – a peace like no other.
My prayer for you today is that you will rest peacefully, secure in His love.