Peace
Leading up to Christmas the blog will feature a three part series Peace, Love, Joy.
A definition of peace
Most people if asked to define peace would probably answer that it is an absence of war or hostility.
However in the Bible the word peace does not have the same meaning. The Hebrew word we translate as peace is “shalom.” Shalom is the result of right relationships with God, one another, and with creation. The concept of peace is wholeness in all of life. It means resting in and trusting God no matter the circumstances.
Prince of Peace
In Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah he is described as the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 When the angels appear to the shepherds to declare Jesus’ birth they declare peace to those on whom God’s favour rests.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ Luke 2:13-14
The shepherds were not seen as important in those times but God saw them, just as he sees us. It doesn’t matter about our status or our past, when we know God, His peace is available to us all.
Peace Disrupted
In our fallen world there are many ways in which our peace can be disrupted. There are so many things that can scare us or weigh us down. Just watching or reading the news can trouble our thoughts.
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
But Jesus, Prince of Peace, tells us that his peace in our hearts is all we need. We gain this peace through knowing him and spending time with the Holy Spirit.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Unshakeable Peace
The world doesn’t understand the peace that God offers. But this peace, which defies understanding, is available to all those who believe.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
This verse tells us that the peace of God is greater and more constant than worldly peace. We should pursue it, even if we don’t understand it. We are promised that our hearts and minds will be guarded by the presence of Jesus. People will be amazed at the unshakeable peace you have about your circumstances. It is one of the ways we can demonstrate our relationship with God to others. Think back to those times when people have asked you ‘how can you be so calm about this?’
To misquote a famous tagline:
God’s peace is for life, not just for Christmas.
Video: Peace
