Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash

If you’d prefer to listen to this blog please click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc

https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/understanding-godly-peace-beyond-worldly-views/

Peace. What is it really? In the world, peace is seen as the absence of conflict, a state of harmony and tranquility. Some people see peace as a time in the future, when they retire and no longer have to work. Alternatively, some see peace as everyone agreeing with them.

This would mean that peace in the world relies on others and other countries behaving in a certain way. Or the absence of both responsibility and differing opinions.

However, what is Godly peace? The Hebrew word translated into English as peace in the Old Testament is shalom which means:

1. To be complete or to be sound.
2. To be whole or to live well.
3. Right relationship and harmony between two parties or people.
4. Prosperity, success or fulfillment.
5. Victory over one’s enemies or absence of war.¹

In the New Testament the Hebrew word eirene is translated into peace:

1. A state of national tranquility
2. Peace between individuals
3. Security, safety, prosperity, felicity, etc.²

These all sound good and most people would desire them in their lives and their countries. However, our world is imperfect, and life is not always serene. What does Jesus say?

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 (NIV)³

The way Jesus speaks here about peace is the same as what Moses said before he passed away. This also mirrors what God said to Joshua prior to taking the promised land.⁴ This peace we’ve been gifted includes strength and courage.

In the bible it says that God is peace.

So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. It is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites today.

Judges 6:24 (CSB)⁵

God’s peace doesn’t mean our life will be without troubles. It means we will be able to cling to Him, knowing that He is with us and will help us through. He is with us in the storm. When life is chaotic, like a cyclone or hurricane whirling around, imagine being in the eye of the storm with God. Quiet, calm and safe at the centre where nothing can touch us. We are complete with Him and need not worry. We can remain focused on Jesus, regardless of what is happening in the natural.

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour the Holy Spirit comes and resides in us. As we obey God and follow Jesus, we become more like Him. The fruit of the spirit is the evidence in our lives that we have a relationship with God and the Holy Spirit is dwelling in us. So how do we cultivate this fruit called peace? We build our relationship with God by spending time with Him. We read and meditate on His word. We praise and worship Him. We obey Him. We serve Him and others. We fellowship.

Thankyou for reading my blog. Please share it with anyone it will benefit. If you would like to leave a comment or subscribe, please fill out the section below. God bless you and your family.

1. What Does Peace Mean? Bible Definition and References (biblestudytools.com) ↩︎
2. Eirene Meaning – New Testament Greek Lexicon (NAS) (biblestudytools.com) ↩︎
3. New International Version ↩︎
4. The Passion Translation ↩︎
5. Judges 6:24 CSB – So Gideon built an altar to the LORD – Bible Gateway ↩︎