Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Peace

Peace: 

Full Definition of PEACE

1
:  a state of tranquillity or quiet: as

a :  freedom from civil disturbance

b :  a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom peace
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2
:  freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
3
:  harmony in personal relations
4
a :  a state or period of mutual concord between governments

b :  a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity
5
—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell
— at peace
:  in a state of concord or tranquillity
This word was heavy on my heart today. I just needed peace to wash over my heart and mind. But as I read what Merriam-Webster says the definition of peace is, I have to pause because there are portions of the definition that are bold. The sections 1a, 2, and 4b leave you to believe that the need for peace is because of war, not just a loud room or loud thoughts, war. This should come as no surprise that Jesus is the Prince of Peace because we know that " For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12, NIV). In other words, we ARE at war and the need for real peace is significant in our lives.

So often we don't look at the struggle with our family, our friends, to find some rest in our busy schedules or time to actually be in the Word of God or in prayer as a "war" but it is! It all is! The enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to make our lives look like chaos, organized chaos or just busyness in order to distract us from the Kingdom work God has created each and every one of us for. We're at war. The amazing thing is, the victory is already ours because of what Jesus did at the Cross. He defeated hell, the grave, sin- the enemy!- when He willingly hung on the cross, died and rose again.
Yeah, we might need to cut back in an area or two of our lives (never should the areas we cut back on be the areas that keep us connected to Him!). Sure we may need to reprioritize our lives and schedules, but the beauty of it all is that we are already overcomers and the war is already won.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬
http://bible.com/116/php.4.6-9.nlt