PEACE IN THE DAY OF CHAOS

Anita Clark – Pastor 

Grace Chapel – Carbondale, Kansas

“And in those times there was no peace to him that went out nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.” (II Chronicles 15:5.)

We are going through terrible conditions in the world today. “All the inhabitants of the countries” are affected. The virus is not giving up easily. It has certainly brought the U.S.A. trouble and death.  Also, rioting in various countries continues to go on and on.  We know that we are living in the last days of the age. Can you imagine what life will be like in the Tribulation spoken of in the book of  Revelation, which is soon coming upon the earth?  In Luke 21:26, Jesus speaking of that coming time, “Men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth...”.  

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” There are many trials and tests to us who are Christians - hindering us in various ways.  Why?  God is testing us. I believe that He is trying wake people up.

Ephesians 2:14 says, “For He is our peace.”  I want to especially emphasize “For He is our peace.”  It matters not what you are going through, where you live, and etc. all that matters is that peace comes into your life because of the Peace Maker, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Trials are hard, and it may seem like they will never end, but “HE IS OUR PEACE.” Vs. 17 tells us, “And (Jesus) came and preached peace to them which were afar off, and to them that are nigh.”  This message of peace is still going out today.

PEACE - in the Bible has three aspects.  Many have taught this truth in the past. It is not a new thought, but a very peaceful teaching.  

First - The Peace With God - Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified [Means - “to be made righteous”] by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” We were sinners, having no place with God, far from God, but He saved us through giving His Beloved Son to die for us.  Our part is to believe and ask Him to come into our lives.  Then we are “justified” or “made righteous” in God’s sight, becoming His children, giving us a wonderful standing in His family. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.” Verse 14 says, “For He is our peace.” When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we experience profound peace, the Peace With God.  Colossians 1:20-21 says, “Having made peace through the blood of His cross...And you who were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works...yet now hath He reconciled.”

Second: Peace of God - This is what God wants to work in our lives after we have received salvation and the Peace with God.  This is peace that settles the worried mind.  Jesus said to His disciples, just before He went to the cross in John 16:32-33, “These things I have spoken unto you that in me you might have peace.  In this world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” The word “overcome” in the Greek means to: “conquer, prevail and get victory.”  Our lack of peace in our daily living is a lack of faith in God.

Peace  means “quietness and rest.” There’s nothing like this peace that He gives.  So many times in trials and tests, we don’t know where to turn, but then, we pray and suddenly the peace comes.  Right now in the midst of this chaos of the pandemic, and the election and unrest, Jesus gives sweet peace for He is the Peace Maker.  Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And (the result) the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Note what peace does it “passes all understanding” (thought or feeling).

Third: The God of Peace - Philippians 4:8-9, tells of a way to gain peace of mind. Paul says, “Think on Spiritual things.”  Have you ever been in a trial of faith that you just couldn’t get your mind off of the trying situation?  The enemy, Satan, loves to get us to think on defeating things. The more we think on those awful discouraging things, the more defeated we become. 

Paul tells us here to think on “honest, just, pure, lovely,  things of good report – virtue...worthy of praise.” I have found there’s a struggle, when in trial, to stop thinking about the upsetting circumstance. Satan will bring those defeating thoughts back again and again.  But, the results of guarding our mind is found in verse 9, “Those things which you have learned, and received and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” The word “do” means “to practice.”  

In our daily life, practice thinking on all those good things.  The results is sure.  The God, our God will be with us. That is what it tells us in II Cor. 13:11, “Finally, brethren, farewell (Greek - full of cheer, calmly happy, glad, joyful, rejoice), be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 

A battle goes on in our minds.  II Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” The results - “Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above, Sweep over my spirit forever I pray in bountiful billows of love.”

Remember Isaiah 9:6, speaking of Jesus, which was to come, He is “The Prince of Peace.”  So, pray, read God’s Word, and believe it.  God is on your side.