By Rich Peterson, Church Relations
There is a lot of thought about war these days. War in Ukraine, war in Gaza, and potential wars in so many other places are at the forefront of many around the world. Domestic violence continues to be an international concern. Gang wars, drive-by shootings, increased crime rates, and the inability to work through interpersonal issues – all these things (and many more) point to a lack of peace.
I was surprised to read that in 3,550 years of recorded civilization, only 286 of those years have been without war. During that same period, eight thousand peace treaties have been broken.
We are a warring people.
We are naturally a fighting race, even though the cornerstone of the United Nations reads, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
We are a warring people, even though the United Nations creed reads, “Our purpose is to maintain international peace and security and to that end take effective, collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace.”
We are a warring people, but God is a God of peace. We see this in the life and teachings of Jesus. Jesus has promised that amid war and conflict, He will provide peace.
“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” (John 14:27).
Peace – the kind Jesus is talking about is inward peace, personal peace, a strong, rock-like confidence that things are not running wild, but that life can be calm, still, and free from fear because Jesus is the peacemaker!
- Jesus provides the ability to remain faithful despite the panic of unfulfilled dreams.
- Jesus provides the ability to stay calm despite the panic of unpleasant circumstances.
- Jesus provides the ability to wait patiently despite panic brought on by uncertainty.
In a word, Jesus provides peace.
And so, we pray:
Our Father in Heaven, you provide peace through the increased pressure and the unexpected traumas of life. When we run out of crutches, it is at that point you step in and say to our hearts, “I have been here the whole time. I am the permanent Rock. Be still and know that I am God.”
Thank you for your timeless message that fell from the pen of Isaiah centuries ago…a message that still has a relevant ring to it today; The steadfast of mind Thou will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock (Isa. 26:3-4). LORD, bring Your peace, we pray. AMEN.
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