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“God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.”
Matt. 5:9
Ah, peace! Ha! Not right now. As I sit here typing this, the sound of the yardman’s blower grates on my ears and jars my soul. That is definitely not the sound of peace to me.

But what is peace? According to one definition, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says, “According to a conception distinctly peculiar to Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.” Amen!

Peace is…

…rest in the Lord
…contentment that the Lord with work on our behalf
…harmony with the Lord.

Peace is the calm rest in the Lord that brings harmony in the midst of a fiery trial or the depths of an agonizing heartache.

What does scripture tell us about peace?

*“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 14:17 NKJV)

*“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Rom. 14:19 NKJV)

*“God has called us to live in peace.” (1 Cor. 7:15b NIV)

*“…to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Rom, 8:6 NKJV)

*“I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for He speaks peace to His faithful people.” (Ps. 85:8 NLT)

However, there is one more element to peace…and that is trust in the Lord. Total reliance on Him to carry us through the worst of life’s flames.

God said through Isaiah, “I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior.” (Is. 46:4 TLB)

He also wrote of God’s promise, “He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!” (Is. 26:3 TLB)

Paul said, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 TLB)

When chaos invades my world, do I still claim His peace and praise Him? Yes, indeedy! For “I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace.” (Ps. 34:1 TLB) Amen!

And when the enemy swirls his darkness around me and attempts to discourage or frighten me, do I still trust Him? You betcha! I say as David said, “But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting Him, what can mere man do to me?” (Ps. 56:3-4 TLB)

Are you struggling to retain your heart’s peace? What did Jesus say about His peace? “I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 TLB)

The old hymn It is Well With My Soul describes it so well…

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.”

If we aim for and pursue peace within ourselves, we shall be known as God’s children and be able to share His peace with those around us. “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Rom. 14:19 NKJV)

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13 NLT)

May it be well with your soul!