PEACE

Man has made effort to achieve peace in the midst of ever-increasing conflicts both within and outside him. However, his sincere effort has remained futile and unsuccessful (Isaiah 48:22). Man's sinful nature cannot be at peace.. "God is angry with the wicked every day" (psalms 7:11) Gods plan with his promise to give us peace in all encompassing, as it takes care of our physical and spiritual well-being. This is reassuring!

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What's Peace?

According to Holman illustrated Bible Dictionary, "peace" is "a condition or sense of harmony, well-being and prosperity." The Hebrew word translated as "Peace" is shalom (judges 6:23-24), which means safe, well, happy; and it involves wholeness and completeness. Similarly, the Greek word translated as Peace is eirene which means quietness, rest, absence of hostility, strife and disorder. it also means a condition of being safe and secure (Colossians 3:15).

God's Promises for Peace

Our Reconciliation to God: We were enemies of God, "by nature children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3; 14-18). His promise of peace is Centrally expressed in our reconciliation to God, bringing us into harmony with the Father (Colossians 1:20)

God will Fight for Us: The lord empresses His peace to us by fighting our battles (Romans16:20); He ensures absence of trouble. Moses reiterated His promise of peace for his people
"..The lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." (Exodus 14:13-14) In another vein, Jehoshaphat was faced with a terrible battle that troubled him and Judah, and the lord stepped in. it can only be reassuring that God will fight our battles. "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle.." (2 chronicles 20:15-18).

He comforts us in Danger:
The lord assures us of his peace to comfort and encourage us in the midst of any danger (John16:33; Acts 27:22-25). The disciples of Jesus were in a dire situation on the sea in the night. Jesus came to them, not to harm but to comfort them: "..and saith unto them, be of good Cheer: "it is I; be not afraid." (Mark 6: 50-51)

To keep and Guard our Mind: Gods promise of peace is intended to keep and guard our mind from all sense of insecurity and fear (Malachi 2:5; Isaiah 26:3) He is the God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts añd minds through Christ Jesus. " (Philippians 4:9).

Assurance of safety: His promise of peace is also demonstrated in the assurance of safety for God's people (Ezekiel 34:25-26). He stressed this truth thus: And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sire dwellings, and in quiet placed". (Isaiah 32:18) Even those that want to hurt us will turn to seek our welfare (prov 16:7)

God's Expression of the Promise of Peace

In Gods promise of peace, it is not just a declaration of His Word, but it is personified in His person, Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The resources of peace in Him are unlimited and unending (Isaiah 9:7:, Psalms 85:8). The expression of this promise is valid at all times despite the situation and circumstance (Isaiah 54:16). it is always in His thoughts (Jeremiah 29:11). He demonstrated it by the gospel: it is called the gospel of peace (Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15)