Peace. The state prevailing during the absence of war. Harmonious relations; freedom from disputes. The absence of mental stress or anxiety. A treaty to cease hostilities. The general security of public places. These are all dictionary definitions, but they have omitted the One alone who can bring peace...God
We can know peace with God, (Romans 5:1), and the peace of God, (Philippians 4:6-7).
I was listening to a message on CD one day when the speaker quoted probably one of the most famous "peace" scriptures in the Bible. The one I gave reference to above from Philippians.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
As my heart thrilled with the expectation and hope of experiencing such peace, one woman listening with me, in resignation exclaimed, "I wish". The tone in which these words were spoken brought me to tears. Such defeat. Accepting anxiety as inevitable, her words were uttered in despair. She had given up on the possible presence of peace. This was an elderly, godly, Christian woman. A woman who had devoted her life to following the Lord. I hear her voice in my head yet today. My heart still aches for her loss of belief in God's promise. What did she know about peace? Sadly, nothing.
For those of you who know me well, you are aware that I struggle with many fears and insecurities, yet my heart thrills and gets so excited at God's promised peace. Worry is not my portion. It may appear to be my passion at times, but it is not God's plan for me.
God is asking us all today, "What do you know about peace?" Have you first of all met the God of all peace and surrendered your life to Him? And, if you have peace with God, have you experienced the peace of God? He desperately longs to be that peace to you today.
Once upon a time, there was a king who offered a painting contest requesting the artists draw pictures of peace. Three of the best painters in the kingdom responded to this opportunity. When the time came to unveil the masterpieces, a banquet was held and many people came. As the first painting was uncovered, everyone marveled as they saw beautiful scenery of fields with the outstretched horizon as its' backdrop. The people then looked with awe on the second submission, a gorgeous sunset. The king couldn’t wait any longer as he ordered for the third and final painting to be unveiled. Murmuring filled the room as the king was shocked by the image before him. Despair marked the king's countenance as he looked upon the dark clouds and raging storm of the last painting. The artist had captured the furry of the wind as it whipped black rain clouds laced with streaks of lightning. The foreboding sky was filled with the power of the furious thunderstorm. “This has nothing to do with peace,” he thought. But suddenly, he noticed something that made him leap from his throne and stand in front of the painting. He smiled and said, “Place this piece in the master’s bedroom so that I will always be reminded of peace.”
What the king saw after he gazed on the darkness of the painting was a small mother bird with her babies all nestled under her wings, sleeping. Now that's peace. Not the absence of the storm, but peace in the middle of the storm.
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 44:2-3
Do you know peace?
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