May Peace Rule

Two World Wars down and threatening conflicts among men and nations; but nothing can wage war against the peace of God that is beyond all understanding. Peace is tranquility or quietness of spirit that transcends circumstances.

I tend to be a time conscious person, in fact almost bordering on paranoia. That is against the grain here in Kenya where the phrase “African timing” is carried out as norm; where the time set for a meeting is just theoretical as in actual sense, an hour or two later is when the meeting or event will actually start. I sometimes wonder why we embrace such a culture, but I vowed not to be a slave to it; out of both simple courtesy and personal discipline.

However, of late, I have been late to many of my appointments. Worst off all, even church! I entered the sanctuary, almost tiptoeing, wishing I had a veil over my face so that people would not recognize me and sat at the very back. I was so ashamed that I had gone down that road again. Into the hole I had fallen and regardless of the mud stains I had, my feet itched to wade in the murky water again. Yet the more I focused on Him as the service went on, I was reminded that He purifies me to be like gold and silver. He had searched my heart and the process of refining had begun…I had to surrender to Him and time consciousness would be revived in me again. 

I cannot say I had peace at that moment just because nobody pointed out the fact that I was late. Perhaps they noticed and chose not to comment {Hallelujah! 🙂 } Peace is not the absence of war. Neither is it in silence. Peace is the presence and knowledge of God.

Jesus is the Prince of peace and God is often described as the God of peace.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Is it then not right to say that to know God is to know peace?

No God, no peace.Know God, know peace. 

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. – C.S. Lewis

He does not give peace as the world does.

World: ‘‘We make war that we may live in peace’’ Aristotle .

God: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. Isaiah 26:12

As we grow in knowledge and understanding of the depths and riches of God’s love towards us, our minds and spirits begin to rest in His power and wisdom. We then start serving Him from a point of rest where it isn’t by our own power and strength that we do things, because those, like the moon, wane.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Peace involves trust… Trusting that even if God doesn’t give us that which we think we want, we trust Him enough to know that whatever He had in store for us is better.We surrender our control and let Him steer the ship into uncharted waters where only His experienced captain-ship can withstand.

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

Worry is the enemy of peace, just like fear is for faith. One thing I always remind myself when a thought of worry burrows itself up and out into my thoughts is what Jesus says, “Who by worrying has added any day to his life?”

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

“If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you know what His will is.” Amy Carmichael