Pursuing Peace

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have in tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)

We do not live in a peaceful world—far from it. At this very moment, numerous places are experiencing military conflict or political unrest. There is often discord in families, in the workplace, and even within the body of Christ. These things create stress and anxiety in our lives if they go unresolved.

There may not be much we can do about military conflicts or the political scene other than pray; but as a believer, God instructs us to pursue peace.

The Source of Peace

How do we pursue peace? First, we must be in a right relationship with the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is the source of all peace.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.” (II Thessalonians 3:16, ESV)

Psalm 29:11 also gives us the promise that the Lord blesses His people with peace. Peace is attainable if we look in the right place, if we go to the source of all peace.

The Price of Peace

Our peace came at a heavy price. The Lord paid for our peace when He died upon the cross.

“Upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace.” (Isaiah 53:5, ESV)

He took our punishment upon Himself to bring us into a relationship with Him. That relationship brings trust, which in turn fosters our feelings of security and peace.

Peace Requires Action

To really understand peace, we must realize that it requires action on our part. Philippians 4:7-9 (ESV) tells us:

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus . . . What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Is it too extreme to say we find true peace when we obey God—when we act upon what we have learned, received, heard, and seen?

The Believer’s Peace

According to Galatians 5:22, peace is a fruit of the Spirit and should be evident in the lives of all believers. This peace will be evident to those around us. As they observe the calm and tranquility we possess, they will desire the same in their lives. To the person who does not know God, it seems impossible that there is a peace “which surpasses all understanding.” While difficult to explain, it is very real.

Our world desperately needs peace. We need it in our lives, in our communities, and in our nation. As Spirit-filled believers, we carry peace with us wherever we go. We know the Source. Therefore, it is our responsibility—our mandate—to share the peace we have with others. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Peacemakers are world changers.

Prayer Points: Use the scriptures below to make peace part of your daily prayers.

• Peace in our hearts and minds: Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:26; Isaiah 26:3
• Peace in our relationships: Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14
• Peace within our neighborhoods and cities: Jeremiah 29:7
• Peace in our nation: Leviticus 26:6; Isaiah 2:4

Wonderful Peace

(A hymn by Warren D. Cornell / William G. Cooper, 1889)

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul!

Refrain:
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!