Peace. It’s a word that’s been used by many different people, nations, ethnic groups, & organizations. Over the last century we listened to, & watched people, that demonstrated peace such as Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, & Nelson Mandela. There were others that led, or took part in, peace rallies such as Martin Luther King, Jr., & John Lennon. Say the word “peace” to somebody today & there is the likelihood that memories from the 1960’s will flood their mind. The 1960’s were one of the more turbulent decades in our history. Our nation saw the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the start of the Vietnam War, & the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy & Martin Luther King, Jr…all within a 5 year period. Woodstock, in 1969, became a generations rallying cry for peace & love. And, while it is impossible to know the sincerity of millions of people during those days of upheaval, I do believe there were many who truly wanted peace. John Lennon had the right message. He delivered his words “living life in peace”, & “give peace a chance” to millions of people that were crying out for peace in a chaotic world. Unfortunately, his message wasn’t rooted & supported by the true author of peace…Yahweh.

 The dictionary defines peace in these ways: the absence of war or other hostilities, an agreement or a treaty to end hostilities, freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmonious relations, public security & order, and finally, inner contentment; serenity. I like that last definition…inner contentment. But where does that come from? Turn on the news and you will see images of war, a struggling economy, people being murdered, children being kidnapped, & many other stories of despair. Hardly a place to find peace. 

 The truth is, there is only one place that people will find true peace. The bible says that God is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and that He has called us to live in peace (1 Corinthians 7:15). In the midst of these difficult times we must realize that God is not a god of disorder, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). His peace goes beyond our very ability to comprehend (Philippians 4:7). His peace brings good health. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace brings life to the body”. Psalms 34:14 says to seek peace & pursue it.

 In John Lennon’s song Imagine he writes,“imagine all the people living life in peace”. I often wonder how much more peace there would be if we truly became imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1). Christ tells us in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…” Let us not just imagine what that peace would feel like…let’s seek & pursue it. Peace.

Let Your Peace Rain Down
J. Scott Stewart

Holy Spirit, fill this place
Let me feel your warm embrace
Let Your glory fall here
For it’s You we want to be near

Let Your peace rain down
Let Your love abound in my life
Let me feel Your touch
It’s only You I’ll trust with my life
Let Your peace rain down.

(© 2000 World Wide Worship, LLC) 

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