Peace

Peace. Just the word alone brings a soft glow to the soul. In this season of warm crackling fires, hot chocolate while we open Christmas cards with gold lettering.

Peace.

In the Old Testament, the word for peace (Hebrew) is shalom.  In short, it means soundness, well-being, harmony, and wholeness.  Everything is as God intended it to be.  Peace is not necessarily in what we do not have, frustration, stress, unrest. But in what we do have. 

The New Testament (Greek) defines peace as “to set at one again.”  Painting the picture that something had once been erected (as intended) yet has toppled over. Chaos, strife, irritation, even war are the results. Once it is set back, PEACE is the result—all is in its rightful place. 

Remember God and man (and Eve) in the Garden, their relationship was good and whole (peace-filled) as designed. Then there was a sin outbreak, the fellowship was broken—toppled over. Gone were the daily walks together in the garden, what was—is no longer.  For generations (begetting) generations there was a missing element.

Fast forward to Luke chapter 2, the angels announce, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace” (v14).  Peace was back on earth among mankind.  Jesus is the missing piece (peace). He came bridging the gap (which was big and ugly) between man and his God. He set it all back in place. Fellowship restored. Peace had indeed come to earth. 

Peace is a Person.

Peace is not only a Person, but a position. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace …for through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Paul, Ephesians 2:13,14). We are now back, positioned where we were originally designed to be—full accepted access to God. Again, able to come into His presence.  Paul declares this point, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).    

Peace is a position.

Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders…Prince of Peace.” Now consider Colossians 3:15, Paul wrote, “Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Does Christ take the rightful place on the throne of our life?  If we are not prioritizing God ruling on the throne of our heart, be assured another will occupy it! Something. Someone.  We will know peace only to the degree that we YIELD to Christ, the reigning Prince of Peace.

Peace is a priority

Paul again, “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 minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7, emphasis mine). Presenting to God means, we are NOT to go looking for solutions elsewhere. If we do, we can potentially be placing things on the throne that shouldn’t be there.  May we not be throne hoarders (loading up unwanted, unneeded messy stuff). Finding peace is not just the raising of a white flag, ultimately it is a banner of occupation! It is His design, His throne. His place. He reigns. Bow!

Peace is a posture.

Wait, there is more!

Because of our sinful nature and our perpetual continuing to do so, John strongly declares “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). As we confess, we are saying the same thing about our situation that God does.  We are now in full agreement; we concede and realign and adjust our course with what God says.  In this process, we are taking what was toppled over and returning to the original design and bringing Jesus back to His rightful peaceful place—in the center. We mess up—we get cleaned up. Peace restored. Biblical peace isn’t just the lack of conflict; it is the presence of the rightness of God. Remember, “Peace is like a river” (Isaiah 66:12). NOT a pond, stagnant and settled. Unlike the river, that flows from the mountain top, always moving, always refreshing, always pure. 

Peace can be a process.

Is this all easy? “NO!” (Sorry to yell).  Life is tough, loud, and viciously swirling, but we can do some throne inspection and respond appropriately. I know I do.  I have to. Daily. Even in and through tears. It HAS to be Jesus! Does He take the rightful place on the throne of my life? Do I place HIM in the very center of my circumstances? Does my life behavior reflect-declare Jesus as King?

What about you?

“May the God of Peace who makes everything… holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together–spirit, soul and body” (1 Thess. 5:23, paraphrased, The Message). If you’re lacking peace, look to see if HE has been kicked off and replaced. Seek being set at one again. God the Maker—God at the center—God on the throne. God of peace. Peace is pleasant!

Peace.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).