The Rule Of Peace
There is so much turmoil in the world today. Everywhere you look, things are in turmoil. This turmoil starts in the heart of people. It then spills over into society and eventually into wars and conflicts among nations.
I do not intend to address conflict among nations in this article, but I do want to consider the turmoil and anxiety that finds its way into the heart of people. In particular, God’s people. Turmoil in men’s heart is one of the effects of sin, and as such has no place in the hearts of God’s people.
In God’s Word, we find so much spoken about peace. There are two main thoughts about peace. We find peace with God and we find the peace of God. It is very clear that the peace of God can only be experienced by those that have experienced first the peace with God. Peace with God was made possible by the death of Jesus on the cross. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Romans 5:1.
The peace of God is provided for everyone that has accepted Jesus and come to peace with God. It is a change that God makes in our heart that replaces the turmoil and anxiety with rest and peace.
The word “peace” means “quietness” or “rest.” As we truly learn to trust our Lord, and come to realize that He is in control of every circumstance in our lives, we can allow His peace to take over our lives. We will find a quietness in our heart. Not lack of noise, but lack of turmoil.
Jesus promised to leave His peace with us when He went away. John 14:27. We no longer need to allow the trouble and turmoil of the world to affect our life, even in the midst of a troubled world. John 16:33
How do we get this peace in our lives? Paul gives us some important keys. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15
When we allow God to work His peace in our heart, then we will also be able to be at peace with others. Conflict between people is so much a result of lack of peace in their heart. Paul encourages us to let peace “rule” in our hearts. We get the idea of having His peace completely overtake our heart and have control.
Notice the “let” in Colossians. Peace (quietness, rest) is already provided by our Lord, we must allow Him to work it in our heart. Both of these passages mention thankfulness. It seems that an attitude of gratitude both precedes and follows the working of peace in our lives.
