“1Peace I leave with you, MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) 1eirēnē: to join or bind together. When man decided to follow Satan in the Garden of God, he became separated from the perfect peace they experienced because of their union with God the Father. Eirēnē can convey the sense of an inner rest, wellbeing and harmony. The ultimate peace is the state of reconciliation with God, affected by placing one’s faith in the gospel.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH EXCEEDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7) The peace that passes understanding is a strong, resolute faith and confidence, that no matter what circumstances you encounter, God is FAITHFUL, God is GOOD, God will KEEP YOU, God will PROVIDE FOR YOU, and God WILL BLESS YOU. It’s a faith that looks past circumstances knowing, “…that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28). As Paul lay in the dirt, profusely bleeding and concussed from being stoned by his enemies, he remained confident because, “If God is for us, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?” (Rom. 8:31). This was a confidence that superseded any human understanding of his life and circumstances. Even in the midst of being afflicted in every way, perplexed, crushed, persecuted, struck down, and always carrying the death of Christ in his body, he also remained confident that as Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that THE POWER OF CHRIST MAY REST UPON ME.” (2 Corin. 12:9)
UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN; AND HIS NAME WILL BE CALLED PRINCE OF PEACE… (Isaiah 9:6)
-Bill Stockham