I found a story that goes something like this...
Two artists set out to make a picture representing perfect peace. The first painted a canvas depicting a carefree lad sitting in a boat on a little placid lake without a ripple to disturb the surface. The other painted a raging waterfall with winds, whipping the spray about. On a limb, overhanging the swirling water, a bird had built its nest, and sat peacefully brooding her eggs. Here she was safe from her predatory enemies, shielded and protected by the roaring falls.
The world paints a picture of peace that is very different from the picture that is painted in the scriptures.
According to the world peace is the "absence of war or other hostilities" and also explained as "inner contentment, serenity; peace of mind" (Webster's) The worlds kind of peace is caused by created things and the manipulations of carnal beings. In other words, according to the world, we create peace. Peace comes from us.
Here is the picture the world paints of peace.
Do you know the history of the peace sign? It is a really popular symbol today that is worn on our clothes, jewelry, cars, etc... Read the history & decide for yourself if you still want to wear it.
The spiritual peace found in scripture paints a different picture. I don't know about you, but I like this picture better.
Strongs Lexicon defines peace as
"The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot of whatsoever sort that is"
A Bible Dictionary defines it as;
"Freedom from worry, harmony in personal relations, freedom from evil disturbances."
I love the thought of being free from all worry. I am not there yet. It is a daily walk, a daily choice to walk in His Spirit.
According to Scripture...
~God is the God of Peace - 1 Thessalonians 5:23
~He ordains peace - Isaiah 26:12
~Christ is the Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6
~Christ is our peace - Ephesians 2:14
Peace accompanies...
~Faith - Romans 15:13
~Righteousness - Isaiah 32:17
~Acquaintance with God - Job 22:21
~The love for God's law. - Psalm 119:165
~A Mind set on the Spirit - Romans 8:6
Saints (those who belong to God by his grace through faith)
~Have peace in Christ - John 16:33
~Kept in perfect peace - Isaiah 26:3
~Enjoy peace - Psalm 119:165
~Kept by peace - Philippians 4:7
There is only one picture that I can think of that paints a perfect picture of God's Peace.
(taken by my daughter, Sarah)
When Jesus was crucified on the cross he fulfilled the prophecies, thus bringing peace to the hearts of all those who believe in Him. No longer did they have to abide by a strict code of law, his shed blood provided the atonement they needed. When we believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and we trust him with our life we are then sanctified and made holy in His eyes. (1 Corinthians 6:11) We then can experience His perfect peace in our lives.
There is much more to this, but I will post it later. My next post will focus on the how's of experiencing God's peace.
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