"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." —Mother Teresa
I've been thinking a lot about peace lately. Maybe it's because, outside of praying, I feel helpless to do anything about the wars, or the political and economic climate we're facing. It's not just nation against nation overseas. We have cultural, religious, and class/caste wars here. The hostility in the Middle East has found it's way to US shores—to the upper echelons of American Academia. Students from Harvard, The University of Pennsylvania (my alma mater), and most recently Columbia University have added their vitriolic engagement to what has seemed to be a never-ending irreconcilable conflict. The Presidents of these schools have to navigate this dissension in the annals of institutions that were created to foster free speech and openness of ideas and relationships. Peace seems hard to come by these days.
PEACE is a word with many meanings. For individuals it is freedom from disturbance; tranquility; mental calm; serenity. For countries it is a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended. In municipalities, peace might mean freedom from civil disorder, or freedom from disputes or dissension between individuals or groups. Some churches "pass the peace," offering a ceremonial handshake or holy kiss as a sign of God's love and unity.
In Mark 4:37-39, Jesus, used the word peace as a command to the winds and waves that were howling around the boat He and the disciples were on. They were exasperated, thinking their Master, who was asleep on a pillow, didn't care if they perished or died. Jesus knew, and He cared. "He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." I imagine stillness came not just to the raging seas, but to the disciples as well. Just having Jesus with us can be our assurance. There are times we need Jesus to command peace, not just to the external forces beating on our proverbial ships, but to the internal wars raging within us. Peace! Be still.
Peace can feel unattainable in a world of strife, battles, and antagonisms. This was true when Jesus was preparing His disciples for the tumultuous times they would face after His resurrection. He prophesied all that would occur, including the trials they would face. He explained, "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) Jesus gave us His peace as a gift, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27) True peace is only found in our identification with, and connection to the LORD Jesus. Just because things are going on around us...doesn't mean they have to be going on within us. God is in full control.
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3
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