Making peace

The Middle East simmers with tensions that explode into violence regularly. Terrorists seek the destruction of life and property around the globe from Afghanistan to Uganda. It isn't just nations making war! Some streets in our own country are as dangerous as a battlefield. Teenage tough guys think that the answer to difference of opinion is a bullet in someone's brain. Then, too, our churches - which ought to be oasis's of peace - are often torn up with strife, with factions struggling for control. And the American family knows little peace. Astronomical divorce rates reveal the depth of animosity that boils behind the front doors in our neighborhoods. Personal peace eludes most of us, too. Drugs, both legal and illegal, are consumed in prodigious quantities in attempts to find relief from the unending turmoil of an empty heart.

Is peace of any kind even possible or is it just a mirage? Jesus answers that question. He invites us to come to Him, to embrace His ways, and says, "You will find rest!" Isaiah makes this statement -(48:22) “There is no peace,” says God, “for the wicked.” But there is peace for the righteous! Peace comes only from a restored relationship with God. It is not a natural state of fallen humanity. It is a gift of God that must be received. Even then peace must be pursued. It will not simply break over us like sun through the clouds. We who know peace with God have to work at creating and maintaining peace among men! The Bible says that those who take up this calling of making peace will be known as "children of God."

Peace is not simply the absence of open conflict. It is a state of contentment, of rest, of wholeness. That is why true peace is only possible for the person who has come to know God. Only in God can we escape the torment of envy, of greed that keeps us fighting with ourselves and each other. Some mistakenly think that peace will be discovered in a new geographic location. "If only I could move to a small town in Montana!" This myth that peace can be found somewhere outside of ourselves is persistent. But it is just that, a myth. Peace begins within us, a work of the Spirit of God.

Believer, are you peaceful? Maybe even trying to answer that question makes you feel terrible pain for you know that you are not at peace, nor are you a peace-maker. Know this, peace is possible. I love the story of one of Jesus' most amazing miracles. The Lord and his friends were sailing across the little sea of Galilee when their small boat was caught in a storm. Jesus had fallen asleep in the back of the boat. What a testimony to the power of inner peace that picture is! His friends grew frantic as the storm increased in intensity. Finally, they scream at the sleeping Jesus, "Don't you care that we're about to die?" "Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39, NKJV) Ah, that's rich with meaning for you and me. I've often watched the storms blowing up around me and felt the panic rising. As critics attacked, as money ran short, as health issues arose, as the sea of sin churned up it's filthy waters 'round me - I have screamed to God, "Don't you care that I'm about to be swept under? Where are You?" In His grace, time and time again, He has come to stand alongside of me and I've watched Him restore calm with just a powerful word!

Why is my memory so short? Why do I allow fear to replace peace again and again?
I am still searching for that answer.

But, this I know, peace is mine through Christ Jesus, my Lord. He has made peace for me with God, who is no longer my Judge. He is now my Father.
From my secure place in His family, I can live in peace and I am charged to seek peace.

If you're afraid today, or in turmoil, or at war - come to Jesus, the Peace-maker.
Invite Him to speak to your storms.
Once He has brought peace of mind to you, then take up the calling of becoming a peace-maker.

Here's a word from the Word to meditate on for a few moments today:

"All of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you.

Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, “If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good.

Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”" (1 Peter 3:8-12, NLT)