March 20, 2019
- Value Opposed to Strife and Rebellion
The media overflows with stories featuring the search for peace. It is front-page news and the lead story in the electronic press. People everywhere are searching for the cessation of hostility. Peace—God’s peace—is, as someone has described, “not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God no matter what the conflict.”
Peace is the opposite of worry, hostility, quarreling, and strife. The man or woman who possesses peace is subject to the pitfalls and problems of life. They are not exempt from the troubles of this world—sickness, death, business reverses, misunderstanding, etc.—but they know that these things last but for a season.
God’s peace is more than the Hebrew, Shalom (total well-being). It is the peace of conscience and peace of soul. Foremost it is peace with God and comes as a result of a right relationship with Him.
The Apostle Paul provides a vivid picture of the peace that leads to quietness and tranquility of mind. “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).
The goal of peace is to produce love and harmony among God’s highest creation. Paul gave good advice when he wrote, “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).
Commit today to acquire the value of PEACE. The French writer, Victor Hugo provided sound advice for all people when he wrote, “Sleep in peace. God is awake.”
Core Affirmation: “My daily walk reflects PEACEFULNESS because I am a peacemaker.”
In my walk, I have peace because I have an internal calm and assurance that comes from knowing that God is in control—no matter the circumstances.
Bible Verse. “Do not worry about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).