The Pursuit Of Peace

It has been surmised that over the last 4,000 years, there have been over 3,700 years of war. Throughout history, 8,000+ peace treaties have been made and broken. Today, there is fighting, oppression, and civil unrest all over the globe.

Every 4th of July, the United States of America celebrates its birthday that came about as a result of war, not peace. Freedom always comes at a high cost.

Only one leader is described as the Prince of Peace of all the world's religions. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

From beginning to end, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ revolved around the message of peace. At His birth, the angels shouted words of praise saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among whom those He favors" (Luke 2:14).

In the Old Testament, the Word for 'peace' is “shalom,” meaning "wholeness, completeness, harmony of life." In the New Testament, the Greek Word for ‘peace’ is "eirene," defined as "inner well-being." Putting both meanings together describes peace as "inner calm, even in the midst of outward turmoil or calamity."

Jesus said to those who would come to know Him personally, "My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27 NIV).

His peace takes away the fear that is a part of living. No matter what circumstance or situation a person finds themselves in, the profound proof of God's presence is PEACE permeating all problems. As someone once said; No God–No Peace. Know God–Know Peace.

Jesus has an indescribable relationship with the Father and Holy Spirit beyond human comprehension or understanding. This produced an incomprehensible peace that helped Him persevere throughout His life.

The world's definition of peace is the absence of war and conflict. God's definition of peace is serenity during turmoil and trials. We can only experience the peace that passes all understanding when we are plugged into the Prince of Peace, who lives inside every Christian.

There is no real escape from suffering while in this world. But there is a place we can go to find peace and comfort – under the shadow of His wings! (Psalm 57:1).

Jesus said, "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).

People can choose to live their life tossed around by tormenting fears, or they can boldly believe the Word of God. God is not to blame for the god-less suffering of sickness, disease, murder, wars, and hatred.

God has allowed peace, joy, and hope to be available to every person who proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord and entrusts their entire being to Him. Through the shed blood of Jesus, total healing and deliverance were provided spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Christians are numbered amongst "all the saints"... "who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh" and the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your" heart and our mind. God promises to "meet all your needs according to his glorious riches" (Phil 1:1, 3:2-4, 4:7, 19 NIV).

The Way to Peace

A new and positive attitude will emerge when the choice is made to enter God's place of peace. The determination must be made in the heart to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Eph 4:1-4 NIV).

Walking daily in humility and trusting-faith is the way to peace. The Holy Spirit produces it, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith" (Gal 5:22).

Learning to trust Him is the only way to overcome life's hourly challenges. The way to learn this, and the way to grow in faith, is by "hearing the message . . . through the word of Christ" (Rom 10:17).

Reading and studying the Bible, growing in fellowship with other believers, and hearing the preaching and teaching of the Word will increase faith and trust. Through trusting Him, the message of God's forgiveness and reconciliation will be powerfully and successfully brought to the world.

If there is a longing to "flow with hope" so that others might come to know the love of Jesus, then trusting Him with the whole heart must be learned. When that happens, Jesus will fill the heart that is living forgiven to overflowing with "His joy and His peace through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom 15:13).

Trusting-Faith is allowing God to tuck us in the crevice of the rock. Walking daily in humility and trusting-faith is the answer to living a peaceful and stress-free life.