Know Peace, Know God
I don’t remember the last time Kelly and I were able to spend time together. I think it was when they took their firstborn to Belmont University in Nashville, TN to begin his freshman year. I was notified they’d be visiting on their way back to Dallas, TX. In my mind, this was W-A-Y out of the way as I live in southeast Mississippi. However, I was ecstatic about the visit and did not question the logic. Kelly and I enjoy picking up right where we left off…never missing a beat…a friendship that has stood the test of time…weathered the distance. We can sew side-by-side and know what the other is thinking without voicing anything.
I’m sure you have friends where you do the same. Is Jesus a friend you pick up with where you left off, or is He a friend you only call when you cannot find an answer on your own?
Peace in the Old Testament is used as a synonym for what is good as in Jeremiah 33:9 after the restoration of Jerusalem.
Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.’ Jeremiah 33:9.
Old Testament relationships also used peace in friendly greetings and farewell statements to display a friendly disposition or an absence of hostility as Joseph did in dealing with his brothers in Genesis 43:23 KJV
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.
Most commonly, peace relates to a relationship of love and loyalty with God and one another as John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Last week, I went to see Kelly. We sewed side-by-side as I surged napkins and she worked on a
Christmas outfit. The hum of the machines was the only noise. Peace. Perfect Peace. Sent from
the father above. Isaiah 26:3 says
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Until We Meet Again
1. Love as Christ loves. Not as the world loves and let His perfect peace comfort your hearts.
2. Share the peace of Christ in your heart this week with one person.
3. Spend time with Him this week basking in His peace; Share quiet times of peace with those you love.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
