The Promise Of Peace

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. {perfect...: Heb. peace, peace} {mind: or, thought, or, imagination}

The countries of our world need peace. On the basis of the computation in the Moscow Gazette, Gustave Valbert in his day could report that "From the year 1496 B.C. to A.D. 1861 in 3358 years there were 227 years of peace and 3,130 years of war, or 13 years of war to every year of peace. Within the last three centuries, there have been 286 wars in Europe. He added that from the year 1500 B.C. to A.D. 1860 more than 8000 treaties of peace, meant to remain in force forever, were concluded. The average time they remained in force was two years." 1

The families of our world need peace. Sometimes, the real battlefield is in the home. Four-year-old Susie had just been told the story of "Snow White" for the first time in her life. She could hardly wait to get home from nursery school to tell her mommy. With wide-eyed excitement, she retold the fairy tale to her mother that afternoon. After relating how Prince Charming had arrived on his beautiful white horse and kissed Snow White back to life, Susie asked loudly: "And do you know what happened then?" "Yes," said her mom, "they lived happily ever after." "No," responded Susie with a frown, "they got married." 2

But the greatest need for peace is found in the heart of those who need to be at peace with God. You can’t be a peacemaker until you have the peace of God in your heart. As we look at this promise, we can be assured that when we are trusting in God even in the midst of a troubled world, we can have a perfect peace.

I-NOTICE THE PERSONALITY OF PEACE: v-3 “perfect”

I believe we can describe this perfect peace in two ways.

A-God’s Peace is Perfect In Its Character:

1)The character of God’s peace is that it able to get the job done as illustrated by Jesus in calming the storm in Mark 4:39.

2)God’s peace is not always the removal of troubles in our lives but it is His presence that gives us a freedom on the inside of our soul. Thus even in the midst of sorrow, sickness, and sadness, we can have peace.

3) Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair, I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer, I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely too, That I am deeply burdened and don't know what to do. But I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea, And I humbly ask if in His love He'll do the same for me. Then I just keep quiet and think on thoughts of peace, And as I abide in stillness my restless murmuring cease.3

B-God’s Peace Is Perfect In Its Completeness:

1)No matter how big our need might be, God always has as much as we need. His perfect peace won’t run out.

2)I think of all the times Paul needed God’s peace during his missionary trips, God was always there to meet his need in giving him peace.

3)When author and preacher David Field arrived at the country church where he was to be the guest speaker, he was introduced to a choir member. He asked her what she did. "I keep pigs," she replied. "How many do you have?" he inquired. Without hesitation she answered, "A hundred and ninety-two at the moment." Laughingly he responded, "Really? Are you certain of that?" With indignation she retorted, "Of course I'm sure. I've got names for all of them, haven't I?"

Imagine knowing the names of 192 pigs! But why not--if you regard them with the fondness that woman had for her herd?

What about the Creator, who has a name for each of the countless stars in the sky? (Isa. 40:26). That Creator is also our Good Shepherd, whose love for us rises far above the level of our human affection. And that Good Shepherd calls His sheep by name (Jn. 10:3).

We may be tempted to think that Almighty God, who upholds galaxies upon galaxies, can't possibly be concerned about us and our problems. But Jesus said that the heavenly Father notices and cares for the needs of even the smallest animals, and that we are of much greater value (Mt. 6:26). He knows our names and meets our needs. 4

The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His, And He is mine forever. --Baker

II-NOTICE THE PRODUCERS OF PEACE:

A-This Peace Is Produced By Our Savior:

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.