Peace Out? I Don’t Think So . . .

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NKJV

Nearing the end of His life, Jesus began preparing His followers for the life changing challenges they would soon face.  Amid describing His death and their persecution, He reassures them of His peace that will soon be their peace.

In each of our journeys, we face times of chaos, confusion and conflicts.

Uncertainty can lead to uncharted waters.  

The storms of life produce struggles that can often lead to shipwreck.  Opposition and obstacles can be overwhelming.

With certain confidence, Jesus knew that peace was found in His promises, in His power and in His presence.  The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end . . .” (Is 9:6-7 NLT)

Peace With God.  Paul reminds us, “Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Rom 5:1 NLT)  Separation from God because of sin is no more.  Christ paid the price of our redemption and reconciled our relationship with the Creator.  Eugene Peterson, in his paraphrase, The Message writes, “Christ brought us together through His death on the cross. The Cross brought us to embrace and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to outsiders and provided peace as insiders. He treated us as equals and thus made us equals. Through Him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father.” (Eph 2:16-18 MSG).

Peace With Others.  Acceptance from God . . . Acceptance with others.  Paul closes his letter to those in Corinth with these encouraging words, “Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Cor 13:11 NLT).

Walking in harmony is better than running in hostility . . . it’s having wisdom over warring.  

James reminds us, “Wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (Jam 3:17-18 NLT)

Peace With Ourselves.  This is the tough one.  Often our past conflicts keep us from our own personal calm.  We may no longer cause hurt in others, but we can’t heal ourselves.  We may experience forgiveness from God, express forgiveness to others and yet never enjoy forgiveness in our own hearts.  Paul reminds us of a life-changing truth, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Rom 8:1 NLT)  God no longer sees our sin.  It’s forgiven and forgotten.  We learn from it, but we don’t live in it.

Oswald Chambers reflects on experiencing peace from God and peace with God, “I have to get to the point of the absolute and unquestionable relationship that takes everything exactly as it comes from Him. God never guides us at some time in the future, but always here and now. Realize that the Lord is here now, and the peace you receive is immediate.”

His peace destines us, delights us, and delivers us.

Find Him . . . find His peace.