GOD’S WORDS OF PEACE

“These things I have spoken to you, that IN ME you may have PEACE” – John 16:33a

There is a unique package of blessings tied to GOD’S WORDS of PEACE: “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” (Jh.16:33). No matter the turmoil and travails that the world is passing through or that we may encounter in the world, there is a Peace IN CHRIST that transcends human understanding: “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.; and the PEACE of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil.4: 6-7). The unique peace overcomes anxiety and perplexities.

God’s Will for His people at all times and in all situations is Shalom – PEACE: “The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD WILL BLESS HIS PEOPLE with PEACE” (Psa.29:11). The Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isa.9:6). He is Peace personified – the Possessor, Source, and Sustainer of Peace! The birth of the Prince of Peace ushered God’s era of Peace into the world: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Lk.2:14). He, in turn, assures us in this New Covenant: “PEACE I leave with you, MY PEACE I give to you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jh.14:27). When the Lord met His disciples after the resurrection, He said to them over and over, “PEACE” (Jh.20: 19, 21, 26). He died and rose to guarantee our enjoyment of Shalom!

Interestingly, God’s Words of Peace had been consistently prophesied and proclaimed by the Old Testament prophets, foreshadowing Jesus, the Prince of Peace: “In His days the righteous shall flourish, and ABUNDANCE of PEACE, until the moon is no more” (Psa.72:7). The crux of Psalm 72 is the reign of the Prince of Peace, in whose days, “the mountains will bring PEACE to the people…” (Psa.72:3). Psalm 119:165 says, “Great Peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Loving God’s Word is the secret to the enjoyment of Great Peace. A true love for the great Book will guarantee Great Peace from the Great and Mighty God. Nothing will ever cause a person in whom the Word of God dwells richly to stumble (Col.3:16). Even with great trouble without, such a person will enjoy GREAT PEACE within!

However tough the tempests, high the tides, or mighty the storms and floods, there is a Peace in Christ for whoever holds fast to God’s Word: “For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My COVENANT of PEACE be removed,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you” (Isa. 54:10). As individuals, families, institutions or nations, Perfect Peace is God’s Covenant Word to His people: “You will keep in PERFECT PEACE those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You” (Isa.26:3). Perfect Peace is a possibility for those whose minds are steadfast and stayed on God: Peace with God; the Peace of God; and Peace in God.

There is a void at the core of every human heart that only the Peace of God can fill! Absolutely nothing – not riches, wealth, power, pleasure, fame, fortune, fantasies, travel, art, or learning – can ever fully satisfy this vacuum in the human heart! This longing for something beyond the superficial is actually a quest for peace – tranquillity of being and serenity of soul. Humanity’s endless quest can only be met at the Feet of the Prince of Peace, and in His Embrace! The human heart is restless till it finds its rest in God: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST” (Mt.11:28). Together, let us agree in faith with God’s Words of Peace: “LORD, You will establish PEACE for us…” (Isa.26:12).