Monday, April 7, 2025

           One of the most eagerly desired things that surveys reveal people long to experience is peace.  And most people who desire peace have their own idea about what it looks or feels like.  We could describe peace as contentment, the absence of conflict or a state of wellness.  It could be described as a sense of wholeness or a state where everything seems to be in optimal condition.  These are human ways of describing peace so they come with limitations and imperfections.  Churches often sing about this state of being in worship.  For example, “when peace like a river attendeth my way.”  It can be difficult to describe biblical peace in simple human ways and words.  It does exceed our best human understanding.  But we certainly know it when we experience it or observe it.  We also know the opposite feeling—a sense of desperation or despair in the absence of peace.    
            Biblically, peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  It is given to us by the work of the Spirit living and dwelling within us.  Paul wrote about biblical peace, “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).  It is not an accident to see the word peace in the same Scripture as the name Jesus.  Jesus is our peace.  He made peace between the Father and us by dying in our place for the sins we have committed.  He is our peace and strength in times of tumult and struggle. He is our Good Shepherd who leads us beside still waters and makes us lie down in green pastures.  There is no fear with Christ but there is sustaining peace.
            Jesus said to His disciples (and us), “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We make it through anything that the world throws at us by the power of Christ.  He took the best and most brutal blows of the enemy and this world and emerged victorious and triumphant.  We resist temptation by faith in Christ.  We say no to sin by faith in Christ.  We refuse to settle for the treasures of the world by the hope and promises that we already possess in Christ.  Jesus confidently said that in Him “we may have peace.”  Not could or possibly or perhaps.  But we do have peace.  We possess it in Him, through Him and because of Him.  It is an accomplished feat or reality.  And no one can rob us of that peace as we dwell in and with Him.
            We often have to refresh our memories and hearts with the words of Jesus stated above.  It might even be worth it to you to commit that Bible verse to memory.  Have it stored and hidden in your heart so you can relax in it and find your refuge in difficult times.  Knowing that we belong to Christ is a tremendous blessing and an influx of peace—beyond what words could describe or the brightest minds imagine.  Perhaps you like to recall a time when you were secure and safe in the absolute peace of God.  How would you describe that peace to a friend? 
            Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:14 that Christ “Himself is our peace.”  He does not just give us peace or issue an order for peace.  Christ is our peace and we possess this precious gift through our faith in Him.  This promise does not expire or wear out.  It is valid for all times and places.  It is an eternal treasure that we already possess in Christ alone.  It has been said that to know Christ is to know peace and to know peace is to know Christ.  Call out to Christ by name today and enjoy the peace that He alone can bring to you.
            Have a great Monday!  Remember you can worship any time by watching or sharing our worship at YouTube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.  This coming Sunday we will celebrate Palm Sunday and look at how Mark’s gospel recorded that event.  We will follow Palm Sunday with Holy Week as we journey with Jesus through the last week of His life.  Always be looking for ways to speak of Christ to others and be quick to share your faith in Him.