Seek Peace

Main Scripture: …seek peace, and pursue it Psalms 34:14

Song to Meditate on: The Peace of the Lord (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5a-ur_g8Zs)

In Psalms 34:12, the author David asks the questions “Do you want to enjoy life? Do you want to have many happy days?” (ERV). One of David’s suggestions is to seek peace and pursue it.

Usually when we hear the word peace we think of an absence of war or trouble, however, the word for peace in the Hebrew is shalom and it actually means complete peace. Shalom is said to be a feeling of completeness, wholeness, well being and harmony. According to the Strong’s Concordance shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, safety soundness, tranquillity  prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.

As such David is encouraging us to seek after this kind of peace. Having this kind of peace however, does not mean the absence of trouble; it means that in the midst of great trials you will still be at peace. The apostle Paul experience this peace when he said that he had learnt to be contentment in all circumstances (Phil 4:11-13). He also demonstrated this peace in Acts 16 where even though he was in jail he and Silas sang praises unto God being confident that God was being gracious to him. We also see in Jeremiah 29:7 where God was encouraging the Israelites that were being held captive at the time to seek/pray for the peace of the city of Babylon because in the midst of that peace they would in turn have peace.

You might be wondering how to come by this peace. A peace where although you are having hell in your marriage, you’re still happy. A peace where although you are about to loose all your finances, your still not troubled. A peace where your children are on drugs but you are still calm. A peace where you’re loved one has died but you are still rejoicing.

Ladies, this peace does not come from having a relationship with a man. It does not come from being successful at all we set out to achieve in life. It does not come from having a wonderful family either. Nor does it come from within us.

This peace can only be found by having a true relationship with God. Isaiah 9:6 describes the Messiah as the “Prince of Peace”. When Jesus was leaving the disciples he told them”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.” (John 14:27)

My personal experience is that I only found this kind of peace when I became a Christian. Yes I still have troubles and I still get anxious at times but once I feel that anxiety coming on I start praying and I stand up on the word of God that says “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7). As such no matter what I am going through - death of a love one, matters of the heart, financial stress, indecisions, or confusion – I expect that God’s peace will be activated during these times because I am a Child of the King.

Shalom Ladies. May the Peace of the Lord go with you.

Let’s Pray,

Lord Jesus, fill us with your peace today. Help us to understand that this peace only comes from you and is not of this world. Also, activate your peace that transcends all understanding when we face troubles and tribulations. We thank you for everything.

In Jesus Name

Amen