Peace Sweet Peace
Ah, peace…What a beautiful word. It conjures up different scenes in each individual mind. For me, I think of a mountain stream rolling toward a spectacular waterfall while I just sit and watch. Or, I think of a gorgeous golf course with a slight breeze and the sounds of birds while I play a leisurely 18 holes. There are probably many other scenes I have imagined.
The appearance of peace, though, can be deceptive. Things might appear to be peaceful to the eye while there is real turmoil beneath the surface. This is the figure of the duck on water. Above the water, it appears peaceful and tranquil but below the surface its feet are working furiously.
There is one thing about peace that everyone can agree on. We all want to find peace in life. Some may just want a little peace away from the ringing phone. Others might think a break from roughhousing children sounds great. Still others think of peace in the mind as they desire to be released from nagging negative thoughts and fears.
The Bible has the remedy for our less-than-peaceful lives. Notice some thoughts found in Philippians 4:6-9. First, it reminds us that the lack of peace begins as a thinking problem. The text begins with these words, “Be anxious for nothing…” (verse 6). It continues instructing us to “…meditate on these things.” (verse 8) referring to things that are virtuous and praiseworthy not clogging our minds with other thoughts.
Second, our less-than-peaceful existence comes from a dependence problem. Paul stated, “…let your requests be made known to God.” (verse 6). Sometimes, the chaos of our lives can be attributed to turning to the wrong people for help. Most of the time the wrong person is our own selves as we try to battle by ourselves.
Third, we have an imitation problem. The text closes with this admonition from Paul. “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (verse 9). Much of our turmoil comes from following the wrong examples of handling stressful situations. Paul was confident he was a person they could follow and learn from how to act. These things can help us find a measure of peace in this life as we wait for complete peace in heaven.
The text continues with some other thoughts about peace. Anxiety robs us of peace, prayer restores our peace, and peace repels our anxiety. It is a complete circle. We need peace to avoid anxiety, but we can only get it through prayer. So, how do peaceful people do it; how do they find peace in a chaotic world? There are at least 4 things that peaceful people do that gives them peace. They expect to be peaceful. The Psalmist wrote, “…seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14). They emphasize being spiritually minded. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6). They examine God deeply. Eliphaz gave Job a great piece of advice. “Now acquaint yourself with Him and be at peace.” (Job 22:21). And finally, they exchange their own strength for the strength of God. As a part of God’s message through Isaiah to His people, He said, “…let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” (Isaiah 27:5).
— Mike Johnson
