Peace With God
Dear Friends,
Let our hearts overflow with God’s peace in this glorious spring season! May we approach the Lord with joy, thanksgiving and praise!
Isaiah 9:6 reveals our Messiah, Jesus Christ, as “the Prince of Peace.”
John 14:27 states: "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."
Isaiah 53:5 teaches that peace comes at a very great cost – the suffering of Jesus on the cross. We ought not take his sacrifice for granted.
We cannot have the peace “of” God, unless we first have peace “with” God. Peace with God comes as a gift freely given through Jesus’ full atoning work on the cross. Our Lord took upon Himself the wrath of God – dying in the place of sinful man. We received peace “with” God when we were saved. At that moment we were reconciled to the Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Romans 5:1-2
…since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Emphasis mine)
1 Corinthians 6:17 …he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
Peace with God is not a “feeling,” but a present reality for those who belong to Jesus Christ. This secure peace is within us, and is therefore, self-contained; it is impervious to, and unaffected by external circumstances. This precious, God-given peace is unchanged and undiminished by either our environment or life experiences.
Since we have peace “with” God, we have received the peace “of” God, which is experienced as we walk with the Lord in full faith, trust and submission. The indwelling Holy Spirit produces peace in us, which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). We must continually guard our hearts, as fear and anxiety can impede the working of God’s peace through our lives.
The peace “of” God does not necessarily come our way; we must resolutely and faithfully pursue it, especially in our marriages and family relationships.
Hebrews 12:14 instructs us to "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord…"
The Greek word “pursue” describes one who is running after something or someone. This word was also a hunting term – as a hunter running after and tracking down his prey.
The peace of God is vital to restoring and strengthening relationships with others. Treasure God’s peace and thank Him for this wonderful gift. Remember, we carry His peace wherever we go. Let us share it with a world filled with fear, anxiety and confusion. The peace of God is a hallmark of every born again believer in Christ.
Colossians 3:15 admonishes: "…let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." And Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: "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 your minds in Christ Jesus." (Emphasis mine)
Romans 12:18 encourages "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Proverbs 12:20 says "those who promote peace have joy."
Proverbs 14:30 teaches that "a heart at peace gives life to the body."
As followers of Jesus Christ, we must take the first step in pursuing peace - there are no excuses. We are instruments of God’s peace. Pursuing peace is proactive and intentional. It should be our heartfelt desire to seek the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. ~Matthew 5:9
May the Lord richly bless you all in this beautiful and peaceful season.
Blessings,
Pastor Paul