Peace is sought everywhere. No matter the continent or country, people are looking for peace. Of course, there are those that destroy peace, but most want to find some sort of common ground and get along. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary:
peace noun \ˈpēs\ (1) a state in which there is no war or fighting (2) an agreement to end a war (3) a period of time when there is no war or fighting
The Meaning of Peace. In English, the word “peace” conjures up a passive picture, one showing an absence of civil disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal and external strife.
Some want peace in their personal lives, between family members like siblings, etc. Others want peace at their school, or job. Maybe peace is needed in a church or neighborhood. No matter what kind of peace, it all starts with you.
First, and most importantly, you must have the Prince of Peace in your life, or all your efforts will be futile.
Secondly, you have to daily seek peace. Sometimes it may even be a moment by moment, standing on His promises to get you through the situation.
Finally, you need to understand there’s a reason we say “Peace like a River”. Not a lake, or the ocean … a river. That thought struck me this past week. I did a little research on what the Bible says.
Isaiah 66:12a NASB “For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream;”…
Isaiah 48:14 NASB “If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”
A lake is a body of water, mostly still. The ocean goes in and out against the shore. But, a river, a river takes a journey. Life is a journey, peace is a journey. Daily going forward, putting the day before behind you. God always says it just right doesn’t He?
He will be with you on your journey, and His peace is there for you. There are many verses in the Bible about peace.
John 14:1 NASB “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
John 14:27 NASB “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
THIS ONE SHOULD GET YOU UP SHOUTING PTL AND PTA: (That’s Southernese for “Praise the Lord” and “Pass the Ammunition”. ‘Cause we know when you win one battle, another is just around the corner and you need to reload the ammunition. But, we also know, HE HAS ALREADY WON THE WAR at Calvary!)
John 16:33 NASB “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 20:19 NASB “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
John 20:21 NASB “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:26 NASB “A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Philippians 4:7 NASB “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“
Colossians 3:15 NASB “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
May your life this year be peace like a river; a journey moving you forward.
Lights in the Storm 