PEACE
Our church is currently going through a series called “Missing Peace”. In the first week of the series, Pastor Craig asked the question, ”Is peace even possible in 2020?” Is it possible to feel peace in a World so consumed by fear and panic?
Let’s begin by walking through the word peace.
The Hebrew word for Peace is “Shalom '' Now this isn’t summed up by the two finger sign we present to passersby or hold up for cringy selfies. No, Shalom is deeper than that. Shalom means: Wholeness, completeness, and fullness of peace. It's not a fleeting reassurance but rather a deep solidifying reliance on the faithfulness of God.
This battle for peace begins in our minds.
The more we think about something, the more space it takes up in our mind. It’s simple. Where your thoughts trail off can help you determine what your faith is in.
You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.
Isaiah 26:3 (HCSB)
The word dependent is translated from the Hebrew word “Samak” which means: to lean on completely, to fully rest oneself. So, the way to true peace (shalom) is through total reliance (samak) on God. The question, “Is peace even possible in 2020?” will stand in the world’s eyes with a resounding NO. Yet, as Jesus followers, we can cling to this counter-cultural truth.
“Peace isn’t found in the absence of problems, True peace is found in the presence of God.”
This truth wrecks the “need” to self soothe. In the past couple months, I have thought that maybe eventually, I would reach a place or status that would provide me lasting “peace” and contentment, but the truth is I never truly feel at peace until I fall at my knees in surrender.
If you are struggling to find peace, I encourage you to pray through these verses:
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful."
John 14:27
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
So, what is your mind fixed on?
Where are you self-soothing?
Will you intentionally sit with God today?