It’s the tranquil environment we search for, the quietness in the midst of a busy schedule, and the cessation of fighting between warring factions. The Bible talks about the warning in the day as the cry is heard, “Peace and Safety,” because suddenly! Destruction! (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
Earlier today, my bride and I had our eyes checked by our favorite doctor, who is in our age bracket and has a similar foundation of spiritual beliefs. Every time we talk, there’s some spiritual about the conversation, and it was no different this time. Along this line, we shared our thoughts about the Pandemic. Though peace has been chased from this world, as Christians, we know, “…to be absent from the body is to be with Christ!” (2 Corinthians 5:8)
Can you not find peace with that thought?
It’s not that we want to do anything to push away the peace we all seek; there is peace in my heart and spirit that should something happen, then the greatest peaceful place I could ever imagine is suddenly there!
Jesus Said
In the synoptic gospels, we understand Jesus teaching about peace and using the words of peace frequently. Luke shares more teaching of peace than all the other gospels combined. Add his writing of Acts, then, other than Paul, no single writer speaks more about Peace than he does, and he wasn’t even with Jesus.
The most important scripture we remember is when Jesus says something like, “My Peace I leave you. Not the peace of the world. But “my” peace.” (John 14:17) He goes on to say for us NOT to let our hearts be troubled, nor afraid.
However, it would be best if you looked at the scripture in context. He’s teaching about the Comforter. The Holy Spirit. He’ll pray for the Father to give you another comforter (preceding verse), and then he says he will not leave us comfortless… He will come to us. (succeeding verse)
Could the logic of these scriptures teach us about who Jesus is? Sure thing! That’s why we rejoice in His Peace!
This is tough for so many people. The pandemic, crime, economy, you name it, it doesn’t take much for our peace to be overridden with concern for the future.
Here’s the Key: God is not surprised by the events, nor even the slightest bit worried. Let’s keep our peace!
Finding Peace in Trials
From the foundation of the church, we find turmoil, fear, and strife. This is just the way humans work. Let a fire-breathing Saul come in our midst (or pandemic); well, we flee looking for safety. We worry about our children and whether it’s safe. We read the horror stories the press loves to share. Read all about it! Fire Breather Punishes Christians!
Now, let Saul have his own experience with Christ, and his language will change along with his actions and name, but people will still worry about his new status. He writes and closes his letters with thoughtful words of Peace and Grace. He teaches the power of Peace.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
How do we move past fear and exist in Peace?
Paul teaches that one of the “fruits” of the Spirit is Peace. (Galatians 5:22) What is a fruit? The offspring result of what is the natural outcome of what is on the inside. Could it be thought that if we live a ragtag fretful existence, then perhaps the Spirit is not active in our lives? Sure. But if that’s the way we live, then it does not represent the Spirit very well. If we dwell on the Peace that passes all understanding, you should find peace in the valley, through the storm, and in the darkest night!
Take a deep sigh of relief. Your peace is the Spiritual Fruit as Paul taught, and you have the ability to build an atmosphere of producing a peaceful environment.
Good Job!