Searching for Peace
Whether we admit it or not, most of the population on this planet are searching for peace in their lives. The problem is that a lot of people do not recognize nor understand real spiritual peace. When we achieve spiritual peace, we find both comfort and true joy. Happiness is fleeting, but true spiritual joy lasts forever. And that’s scriptural!
Isaiah 26:3-4 states that, “YOU (GOD) will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on YOU, Because he trusts in YOU. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD is everlasting strength” (NKJV). Having your trust in the LORD brings about a peace unbelievers will never know. As John 14:27 reminds us, the world can never give us the “peace that passes all understanding,” only temporary satisfaction in temporary things. Lasting peace comes from the bond of love we have with GOD the Father and our fellow believers.
Proverbs 12:20 says, “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace (believers) have joy.” We, as followers of Jesus Christ, have the responsibility to share and spread this peace. So, what is spiritual peace which causes the human heart to yearn for it? The non-believers’ peace is found in self-indulgence, success and worldly possessions. If they could just get that better job, fancier car or be more popular, they will have achieved personal success and find peace and comfort. There is nothing to be found everlasting in that rat race. No peace, no joy—just endless selfish pursuits. Check out the “Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus” in Luke 16:19-30, told by Jesus. A man in pursuit of his own creature comforts with no trust in GOD, no compassion and mercy for others, and spiritually bankrupt. He discovered what he lost only after he went to Hell. He never knew the peace of GOD.
One of my favorite “go to” passages is Philippians 4:6-7, “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” (NKJV). I like to tell people that I have that “peace that passes all understanding,” because I do! Yes, I have fears and worries, as most individuals do. But what I have now that I did NOT have as a non-believer, is that deep, abiding love and trust in our LORD Jesus Christ. My faith bond with GOD is my “comfort zone,” and when I falter in fear or worry about things out of my control, I pray to the Holy Spirit and that peace comes over me like the calm after a storm. It refreshes and strengthens me.
Another personal favorite “peace” passage is found in Psalm 23, which literally does not have the word “peace” within it. Yet it explains David’s inner peace through the grace of our LORD in the most natural progression. God is our shepherd and we are HIS sheep. HE wants to lead us through trials and tribulations to calmer pastures and quiet waters where our souls receive the peace and restoration we need. And like David, the result is that we are filled to overflowing with GOD’S love and mercy. How great is that? The peace of GOD is promised to the believer. When Jesus was preparing HIS disciples at the end of HIS ministry, He said to them, “These things I have spoken to you, that in ME you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (NKJV).
“And let the peace of GOD rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15