Peace is something we cry for, but often value little. That’s because we don’t understand the kind of peace God’s calls peace. What really makes for peace? Is it the absence of conflict? God would have you seek a deeper peace; a peace of His Spirit accessed by faith, one that provides an assurance of His presence.
“Now as He drew near, He saw the city (Jerusalem) and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:41-43).
RELEVANCE
I was once on a business trip and on the way to the next city. On the way, the Holy Spirit gave me a sense that I should turn around and cancel the remainder of the trip. It would mean changing my flights and having to pay higher fares. God gave me peace so I turned around. At the airport, I encountered amazing grace. I made a flight ready to depart and all fare increases were waived. Getting home earlier enabled me to benefit in ways I hadn’t even thought about.
Jesus taught how to value peace; His peace. His peace is the fruit of His abiding presence; the fruit of His truth and love applied and realized. It is a peace unlike the world’s kind of peace. It is one which cannot coexist with falsehood or living in lies.
“And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet” (Matthew 10:12-15).
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27).
REFLECT AND RELATE
When making decisions, especially when being faced with compromise, how do you evaluate what makes for the peace of God?
REFERENCES
Philippians 4:4-49