A Heartfelt Wish for All Believers

By David Ettinger

It’s been a tough and stressful year, and it looks as though things are going to continue this way for many years to come – even to the return of Christ.

Sometimes, when I feel so conflicted that I don’t know what to pray, I simply ask God for His peace – the very peace that can come only through knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, and the very peace He WANTS us to have.

A few verses on 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). I love the part about “at all times and in every way.”
• “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Notice how peace is our actual “calling.”
• “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). Notice how this peace is a gift of God given only to His children.
• “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Just as we have been given peace, let us strive to spread it!
• “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18). How much more of a witness for Christ would Christians be if we seek so spread peace rather than disharmony?
• “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy” (Proverbs 12:20). When we “promote peace” we are the recipients of joy.
• “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19). Believers must be active in the seeking and spreading of peace.

And the granddaddy of all peace passages:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

To my fellow believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, I wish you peace. May we not only be the recipients of it, but may we seek to spread it as broadly as we possibly can!

Tagged: Peace in Difficult Times, Peace of the Soul, Resting in Christ, Resting in God, The Blessings of God, The Peace of God

Posted in: Bible study, Bible teaching, Christianity, Comfort, Culture, Devotional, Drawing Close to God, God's Faithfulness, God's Grace, God's Provision, Loving God, New Testament, Old Testament, Practical, Resting in Jesus