Knowing Peace

May grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

2 Peter 1:2, HCSB

PEACE IS TALKED ABOUT throughout Scripture, but how real is it in our lives? Where’s the peace when we’re at odds with our boss or our spouse, or when we’re dealing with a job loss or serious illness? It’s easy to get confused, discouraged, or anxious if we’re expecting God to deliver us from pain and hardship. That’s because He doesn’t give us peace as the world gives (John 14:27). In fact, Jesus tells us to take up our crosses and follow Him (Matthew 16:24), which seems contradictory to an easy and comfortable notion of peace.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting stability and prosperity in our lives, but we misinterpret Scripture when we claim those as promises from God. Consider that the apostle Paul’s life was filled with shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and betrayal (2 Corinthians 11:23-28); yet he apparently experienced peace, and he encourages us to do the same (Philippians 4:6-7). God’s peace isn’t about our circumstances; it’s about being aligned with His will and understanding how He wants to use our circumstances for His glory. It involves a choice on our part to trust God and follow Jesus.

The key is knowing Jesus personally. This comes through intentional and consistent time in His Word, heartfelt prayer, and obedience to what we know He wants of us.

BOTTOM LINE

Perhaps you’ve seen the following bumper sticker: “No Jesus = No Peace. Know Jesus = Know Peace.” That invitation is extended to us moment by moment.

Moment of Strength: Isaiah 26:3