
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”–St. Francis de Sales
What is peace? According to Merriam-Webster, peace (n) is:
- a state of tranquility or quiet freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
- harmony in personal relations
- a state or period of mutual concord between governments–a pact or agreement to end hostility
- used inter jectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting for farewell
Some phrases associated with peace include: hold one’s peace; speak now or forever hold your peace; at peace with; keep the peace; make peace; peace and quiet; peace out; peace of mind; rest in peace; peace offering; peace in the valley; and peace in the midst of the storm.
Of all the topics in my “What Is” series, I can honestly say that “peace” is one that I struggle with the most in my life. Quieting oneself in the midst of chaos/discord is not an easy task. One would have to ask the question, “Am I always in a state of tranquility, quiet or calm during difficult situations that arise in my life?” We probably all agree that life is not always quiet and tranquil, yet the Word of God clearly teaches us to “focus our thoughts on things of God because He is our source of peace.”
Let me share the following scriptures (NIV) as a reference to help us “in the midst of the storm” when we are on balmy waters:
II Corinthians 13:11 (Paul’s words to the Corinthians): “Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfections, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Luke 8:48: “Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
Romans 8:6: “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Psalm 4:8: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Ephesians 2:14: “For he himself is our peace.”
Psalm 29:11: “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
I Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace.”
Whenever we have doubt, trouble, or chaos in our lives, John 16:33 (NIV) reminds us of Jesus’ words to his disciples: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus also tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 that “we should not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.” (NIV)
We began this series with Truth and ended the series with Peace. In John 14:6 (NIV): Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Finally, Jesus tells us in John 14:27 (NIV): “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.”
When we focus our thoughts on the things of God, he will be our source of “inner peace”.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make his face to shine upon you and give your peace.
Blessings,
Yvonne