Kingdom Wisdom on Shalom [Peace]
The wisdom and knowledge of this world places a priority on inner peace, as it markets to us its consumers, advice to those who seek “peace of mind and soul.” For many reading this blog, you may find that what I am offering you as the superior source of shalom will be both boring and antiqued. I offer you Jesus The Christ!
The Bible has a lot to say about peace. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Paul refers to “the God of all peace” (Romans 15:13, 33; Galatians 6:16). The term peace is often used as a greeting and a benediction (see Luke 24:36).
So what exactly is peace, and how can we have “inner peace”?
Peace in the Bible actually means “to tie together as a whole, when all essential parts are joined together.” Inner peace, then, is a wholeness of mind and spirit, a whole heart at rest. Inner peace has little to do with external surroundings. Jesus said, “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.” He had also told His followers that “in this world you will have many troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
So peace is not the absence of trouble; it is the very presence of God while we endure our assigned trouble!
In the Hebrew language, peace means “shalom” which has many meanings and states of being. An example, shalom defines the following:
- Completeness
- Soundness
- Welfare
- Safety
- Prosperity
- Quiet
- Tranquility
- Contentment
- Friendship
- Being in Covenant relationship with our Creator.
Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). When the “God of all peace” comes to live inside a believing heart (1 Corinthians 6:19), He begins to produce His own characteristics in that life. Inner peace comes from knowing that circumstances are temporary and that God is sovereign over all (Isaiah 46:9–11). Peace comes from exercising faith in the character of God and His Word. We can have peace in the midst of challenges when we remember that “all things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). We can choose peace rather than give way to fear and worry. Inner peace resulting from a relationship with God allows us to keep things in proper perspective. We can accept difficult situations on earth by remembering that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
We are commanded to “live in peace” with others, as far as it is up to us (Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 13:11;Hebrews 12:14). To live at peace means we interact with those around us in accordance with our own wholeness of mind. Our reactions to circumstances can bring peace to an otherwise chaotic situation. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). And James 3:18 says, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” God’s desire is that we who know Him learn to live in peace within ourselves first. Then we can radiate that peace to others, bringing calmness and wisdom to tense situations, and in so doing be lights in the world (Matthew 5:14; Philippians 2:14–15 .
Some of the above content was gleaned from: http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-inner-peace.html.
Brothers and Sisters, everything within and outside of our being, is against you and I finding and maintaining the Kingdom shalom that is granted to those who faithfully follow our Messiah. You must fight each waking moment to remain where you and I will not compromise our committed to Christ our Lord.
There is no Joy that lies so deep as Peace, No Peace so deep as that by Struggle Won.”
-Helen Gray Cone-
Grace and Peace
Brother Alonzo E. Thornton
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