Peace

Peace.

What a nice word.

There are some words in the English that are great words. Peace is one of them.

Who doesn’t want peace? Who doesn’t love peace?

When most of think of peace, we think of peace as the state of being in perfect harmony, free from distractions and strife. A state of tranquility and delight.

Those moments are nice. But that’s not the peace the Bible speaks of.

• Jesus says, “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).
• The Apostle Paul says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7)/

The peace that the Bible speaks of is not the absence of trouble, hardship, trials, and strife. The peace that God promises us is a peace that transcends all human experience so that even in the midst of strife and hardship, we can have and know peace.

One of the most beloved Psalms is Psalm 23. In it we picture peace. But remember where that peace is located.

• “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters…Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and staff they comfort me”

The valleys of the shadow of death. I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty scary and miserable to me.

The point is that even in darkness, in hardship, in death, and in the valley of the shadow of death, God is there. God is there to lead, to guide, to protect, and to usher his children into his presence.

Peace.

What a beautiful word.