Peace

What is Peace?
- A common way to say a kindly 'goodbye' on the internet, or in person?
- The hippie-catchphrase during periods of war and turmoil?
- An ideal too high? A dream to big? An impossibility in the modern world?

As usual, I'll turn to Webster's dictionary for the definition:

(n). a state of tranquillity or quiet

(n). freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

The first definition reminds me of a very simple but very powerful verse of Scripture:

"Cease striving and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10 NASB)

Other translations say "be still," but I like the way the NASB translates this verse. Striving keeps us in a state of unrest, not tranquility. In this verse, God exhorts us to stop our unrest and let ourselves believe the simple truth that He is God. This action is one of the most peaceful acts of Worship that a child of God can perform. Isaiah 26 verse 3 says:

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

When we stop our unrest and "stay" our minds on God, He gives us peace. I suppose this is in part because if our mind is stayed upon the LORD, then we have no room for "disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions." My encouragement for this week (and today) is that you Pray for the Discipline to 'be still,' 'cease striving,' and keep your mind stayed upon God.

When you fall, and when trials and tribulations abound, seek the "peace of God which passes understanding" (Philippians 4:7 ESV) and cling to it. Peace can help calm a restless soul, and anchor it to the Vine.

Motivational / 'Devotional' poster for this week: