‘Now Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace; comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work’.
2 Thessalonians 2:16
KJV
Peace in its most basic definition is ‘tranquillity, freedom from disturbance’. The idea of peace is one that I have grappled with for as long as I have known myself and is something that I have fought tooth and nail for. The reality of it, as I have come to learn, is that no amount of fighting, no amount of work on my part, or on our parts will give us the peace we so desperately seek. Philippians 4:6-7 speaks of the ‘peace that surpasses all understanding’. To achieve that peace, there are some steps we must take, some groundwork that needs to be laid.
Laying the groundwork for peace
- Be anxious for nothing (after all, Jesus in Matthew 6:33 did promise that when we seek first the kingdom of heaven and all its righteousness all that we need would be added unto us; so, what could we possibly be anxious for?)
2. Take everything to God. Let all your requests be made known unto Him (see John 14:13, Matthew 7:7). When you have resented all to Him, trust that He hears and will answer.
There is a third element that is implied, but not explicitly mentioned: FAITH. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that we MUST believe that God is and will reward those that diligently seek Him. Isaiah 26:3 says God will keep those whose minds are focused on Him in perfect peace. Our gaze must be steadfast, fixed only on He who is able to grant that which we so desperately desire.
So, as you continue to relentlessly pursue peace, have faith in God. Submit all to Him in earnest supplication and open your heart to receive the perfect peace that only Heaven’s Peacekeeper can give.
