Peace From God’s Word

Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.

- Unknown

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

- Hebrews 4:12

Peace in this world is an elusive concept. We live in a dark and scary place, where peace is difficult to find. The writer of Hebrews tells us that God’s Word is living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword. Not a very peaceful picture, huh? Yet, it is in God’s Word that I find peace. Granted, when I am not in right relationship with God, when I have put myself on the throne and am seeking my own wants and desires, peace is difficult, if not impossible to come by. When I am selfish, self-centered, needing to be right, pushing my will upon others, peace is definitely elusive; but when I surrender to the Lord and seek to walk in His ways, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my steps, then God’s Word brings me comfort, hope and peace.

When we submit ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit in us, the Bible is full of verses that assure us of peace amidst any and all trials, struggles, worries and fears we may come up against. I invite you to meditate on some of these verses today.

The Lord to Moses in Numbers 6:24-26 as to how to bless the people of God:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

King David in Psalm 4:8:

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

King David in Psalm 29:11:

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Isaiah 12:2:

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”

The Prophet Isaiah, talking about God in Isaiah 26:3:

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus in John 16:33:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

St. Paul in Romans 5:1:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

St. Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:16:

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

St. Paul in Galatians 5:22:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...

St. Paul in Colossians 3:15:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

And finally, Isaiah 9:6, containing the promise of the coming Messiah, which we celebrate at Christmas, and all year long:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

These are just a few of the verses from God’s Word that offer us peace. Friends, it has been a crazy year. I want to invite you to be intentional about taking time to spend with God and in His Word this Christmas season. I pray that, during this Advent season, you experience God’s peace in real and tangible ways; and I also pray that you are a catalyst for peace in every circumstance, and for every person God places in your path.

May we be a light unto the world this Christmas.

Pastor Ken

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