Peace! Be still
Say the word and I will
Set my feet upon the sea
Till I’m dancing in the deep…
These are the first few lines of the chorus from my favourite worship song (“Peace! Be Still! by Lauren Daigle) which is a testimony of the power of peace and faith over fear. Lately, my perspective on peace has been challenged and transformed thanks to a Bible Plan I have been reading titled: Peace: Life in the Spirit by Oswald Chambers (You Version). Honestly speaking, I hadn’t, until I started following this plan, thought deeply about what godly peace entails and represents. In John 14:27, Jesus summed it up:
“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.”
Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) does not give peace as the world gives. Indeed, seeking peace in this world is a good and noble venture but this cannot be achieved without the peace of Christ. Peace sounds so delicate and unassuming, yet if we look into what the peace of God entails, we will realize how profound and complicated it is.
So first and foremost: What kind of peace are we dwelling in? Is it physical calmness, the absence of travails, money in the bank, or a roof over our heads?
The worst state a man could ever be in is never to have had a twinge or conviction of sin, everything happy and peaceful, but absolutely dead to the realm of things Jesus represents. Are we carrying on with our lives day-to-day, comfortable in our habitual sins without any growth and fruitfulness? Ironically what we may regard as peace due to the absence of physical strife is not godly peace. The disturbing yet true fact is stated below:
“…As long as Satan can keep men in peace and unity and harmony apart from God, he will do so” (see Luke 11:21-22).
Peace belongs to God
The peace that He gives enables us to deal with and navigate life experiences. We stumble around in darkness and hopelessness unless we surrender to Him. If we allow anything to hide the face, the countenance, the memory, and the consideration of our Lord Jesus from ourselves, then we are either disturbed or have a false sense of security.
Our duty is to submit to Him
We should allow the peace of God to regulate all that we do- that is where our responsibility comes in:
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15).
Peace is dynamic. There is no jadedness or stagnation in connection with peace. Health is physical peace, but health is not stagnation; health is the perfection of physical activity. Virtue is moral peace, but virtue is not innocence; virtue is the perfection of moral activity. Holiness is spiritual peace, but holiness is not quietness; holiness is the intensest spiritual activity.
Peace is tender and comforting. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in.
Peace is liberating and enabling.
It is revealed during trials and challenges. It is a treasure that unfolds into joy, knowledge and wisdom, which strengthens us in dark times.
Self-interest must give way to peace.
Peace is transformative. It is can be both comforting and alarming…
In spite of all our sense of uncleanness, in spite of all our rush and interest in the work of the world, and in spite of all our logic, the implicit sense of God will come and disturb our peace.
So do we welcome God to interrupt our lives OR have we put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door of our lives?
I pray that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Amen.
Isobel