Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one can see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV).
Some people define peace as the absence of war or conflict. But to God, it is not the absence of something, but the presence of godly righteousness that causes right relationships. Peace is knowing God is in control. Biblical peace means that we may struggle, experience pain, but in the end, peace is achieved and is real. This is particularly true because everyone is looking for some kind of peace in the world today.
We look for peace in money, people, our jobs, education. Sadly this is the world’s definition of peace, which brings only temporary comfort, and constantly changes because it is built on compromise and has no strong foundation—like sinking sand. As a result, we waste our time and energy looking for peace in all the wrong things and places.
Jesus tells us where true peace is found: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27). Isaiah declares: “And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, [Prince of Peace].” (Isaiah 9:6).
The one who brought that ‘peace’ and made that ‘peace’ is Christ, who broke down the middle wall of conflict, thus making peace (Ephesians 2:11-18). Thus ending the guilt and punishment of sin. Because peace is hard to find, we must pursue it, and when we get, do everything we can to keep it. To be in a right relationship with God and others is what true peace is all about.
Some blame a lack of peace in the world on corruption, governments, poor health, crime, relationships, broken families, overcrowded schools, holding on to bitterness, and therefore look to the world, police, United Nations, etc. to try to fix the problems, but we sill don’t have true peace.
Sadly, many of us have peace, as long as everything is going alright, and when we don’t find peace, we look to drugs, alcohol, people and other things to escape. But God’s peace is secure in all circumstances because God’s peace is not dependent on our outward circumstances, it is a peace that comes from the confidence in knowing that God is in control. The peace of God is our true source of strength in our time of trails. Paul urges the Colossians to depend on the peace of Christ. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
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