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’ve heard that before and even voiced it myself. Peace is a struggle living in a restless culture. At the heart of the unsettled is a yearning to experience peace. Why does this “state” seem so elusive? Maybe a few peaceful reminders are in order.
While I’m not acquainted with everything there is to know about peace, this I understand:
Peace is a consuming sense of inner well-being. I’m not talking about external relationships or favorable circumstances, but referencing an inward state of peace. Real peace isn’t created or manipulated by outward conditions or personalities, but it is known and experienced by the inner self. Everything around you can be falling apart, but inwardly you are at peace.
God speaks in the restlessness to those who are willing to listen. I used the example last Sunday of Ahaz. While he was seeking peace for himself and the kingdom, God spoke and offered deliverance and peace. Even though he chose to ignore God’s offer, God still spoke in the midst of the unrest. At the point of greatest restlessness, listen for Him. As Christ followers we must be attentive to God’s voice.
Peace starts with trust. God’s offer of peace for Ahaz could be realized in one word – trust. If Ahaz would trust, he would experience deliverance. Unfortunately, Ahaz pursued other means in his elusive expedition for peace. He reckoned with a political alliance in hopes of securing peace which ultimately cost him dearly. If you’re looking for peace, seek the one who gives peace and trust Him – even if it doesn’t make sense.
Peace is experienced in the surrender. Mary’s reaction to Gabriel (Luke 1) is a good example of surrender. Her response to the mission was simply let it be as you said. She yielded herself to God’s plan. When we live surrendered – to God and to His plan – peace is the experience.
Peace is known in the relationship. Scripture (Romans 8:6 and Galatians 5:22-23) refers to peace as a consequence of one’s relationship with Christ. As we trust and live surrendered, peace is the result.
We receive peace to be peace. My condition is not the “end result” in the peace experience. I know peace in order to be peace in culture’s restlessness. As peace recipients, we are to be people of peace. It’s part of God’s great redemptive mission. His “peace” people living sent daily.
This Advent season we’re reminded of peace; Christ is our peace.
