Peace has been a recurring theme in my thoughts, meditations, and journals over recent years. I hesitated to write a blog post on this word because, well, to use the Paul’s words from his letter to the Philippians– it surpasses understanding!
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Let There Be Peace on Earth”, sung beautifully by Vince Gill. The soothing words remind me that Peace begins with me. Scripture tells me the same:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
With Christmas songs ringing in my ears, the season of Advent upon me, I could feel Peace tug at my heart and stir my fingers to action. Peace has things He wants me to say to the world. And thus, I share these excerpts from my personal journal…
I love the word “Peace”, or rather, what it stands for. Just saying the word in my mind brings a stillness to my soul. Oh, how God loves us, that he wants us to have a life free of worry and anxiety! Though we will have troubles in this world, our trust in Him will bring us peace in those troubled times. As I continue to focus on God, the joy and peace that well up inside me cannot be contained. I find myself smiling “for no reason” and then am mindful that I always have a reason to smile: God Loves Me!
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
God’s gift of Grace is freely given, and freely received. I have done nothing to earn this gift, and yet I have accepted it whole-heartedly. God’s Peace, however, is a reward. His Peace is achieved only through complete obedience and trust in Him and His will. Peace is not something I can accomplish through self-discipline and willpower, it is opening myself to receive Christ’s blessings.
This reward is worth the effort.
This Peace is indescribable, there are no human words to express this feeling. I picture my soul as a clear, cool mountain lake, so smooth the trees and surroundings are reflected perfectly on its surface. Nothing can disturb the waters. This is Peace.
In John 16:33, Jesus tells us: “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.” A common understanding of the word “Peace” is the absence of strife, conflict, or war. But Jesus is clearly telling us that we can have Peace AND trouble simultaneously – these are not mutually exclusive situations!
Peace is the calm assurance of the Spirit within us, the confidence and trust we carry in our minds of God’s faithfulness, the state of our souls when we abide in Christ. The traditional Hebrew understanding of Peace (“Shalom”) included completeness, soundness and well-being of the total person. Believers are called to Peace. Not just letting it live in our hearts, but to RULE our hearts!
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Colossians 3:15
When the peace of Christ rules our hearts, it also protects and guards our hearts and minds. From what? Poison. Toxic thoughts. Satan’s lies. Discontent. Bitterness. Loneliness. Feelings of abandonment. Selfishness.
This may sound like an odd analogy, but as I reflected on Peace guarding my heart from these things, I pictured a scene from the movie “The Lord of the Rings” where Gandalf stands resolute before a fiery beast and proclaims, “You shall not pass!”
Another frequently referenced scripture during the Christmas season is from the Old Testament:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Long before baby Jesus laid his head on a bed of hay, He was called “Prince of Peace”. The other titles mentioned in this scripture are preceded by a descriptive adjective. But rather than using “Peaceful Prince” as a title, which would also be a true description of Christ’s character, the title “Prince of Peace” captures the bigger picture:
His Reign Brings Peace
Peace I leave with you; 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