Peace is
found 360 times in the New American Standard Bible version. Peace-peace—God’s
peace. Solomon wrote about time for everything—including peace, noting that the
opposite of peace is war. Personal peace is contrasted by personal turmoil and
anxiety. In His last supper with His disciples Jesus told them that He wanted
to give them peace as recorded in John 14:27. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives
do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. Jesus
Himself had peace—true contentment even in the midst of turmoil. When the Roman
guards came for Him in the Garden of Gethsemane He wasn’t fearful or anxious.
He was at peace with what was about to happen to Him. Read about this in
Matthew 26:36-56 or John 18:3-12. He didn’t put up a struggle when He was
arrested—He didn’t show any signs of anxiety—He went peacefully. As He wanted
for His disciples, Jesus wants us not to be fearful. Does that mean that we
need to put on a happy face? Mother Teresa is quoted as saying, “Peace
begins with a smile….” I’d like to think that peace begins with a prayer to our
Heavenly Father, asking for peace, wisdom and a pleasant look on our faces, if
not actually a smile.
Training Tip – Talk with your family about “peace” and its meaning
for nations and individuals. Of course world-wide peace means no wars. Personal
peace is a surrendering and yielding to the Lord’s control, for He is our
ultimate peace. It is a tranquility that is based on our relationship with God
so that He influences our thoughts, words, and actions—when we give Him control
of our heart, will and mind. When we have peace with God, we can have peace
with others, too.
Take a bucket
of water, a large spoon and a couple of wooden blocks, boats or other small
floating items. Stir the water up and put the floaters in the turbulent water.
Say that this is an example of not having peace. Then let the water be calm—that is peace. To
have peace in our lives we have to not “stir” things up with others—making them
angry. We want to be peaceful together. Pray about peace with your family.
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by
understanding.” ― Albert Einstein
Lord as You taught the Colossians, Let Your peace
rule in our hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be
thankful. Colossians
3:15. May we have peace in ourselves and
within our family
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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