Perfect Peace

December 24, 2021 (Friday)

 

I have been covering “peace” this week. Let’s face it, peace feels like a mythological unicorn as we head into year three of the covid pandemic. The omicron virus is spreading faster than any variant we have seen, so far.

 

Henry W. Longfellow had gone through a very difficult year, when he penned “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Verse three highlights his feelings, “And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.” Yet he came to the conclusion in verse four: “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor does He sleep, For Christ is here; His Spirit near Brings peace on earth, good will to men.”

 

Last time, I jokingly said I would give you four easy steps to peace. If true peace comes only from God though the blood of Jesus, it seems self-evident what we need to do. Isaiah 26:3 observes, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” [ESV]

 

The idea here is that peace is steadfast of mind, sound thoughts. We stop fearing the shadows when our mind is on the light. Trust = peace… it gives us clear focus away from the darkness. Not to be “captain obvious” but if we do not trust God (specifically the salvation in Jesus only), then we are at the mercy of the storms of life. Very literally, without Jesus the boat is sinking… it’s not your imagination.

 

Being in the boat with Jesus, we learn to trust Him. We no longer have to fear the things that go bump in the night or creep at the edge of our perception. When the God of the universe commands “peace, be still.” Or as Peter advised, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” [1 Peter 5:7 NIV] So, all our worries, real and imagine, must evaporate in the presence of Jesus.

 

Rolling back to what I left uncovered in Philippians 4:7b, “His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” [NLT] Theologians argue over “preservation (being kept safe) of the saints,” “preservation (steady persistence) of the saints.” Silly theologians, both these are made possible by and come from God’s peace in Jesus!

 

Longfellow circled around to give his take on how we can have peace. Listen to his wise words: When men repent and turn from sin The Prince of Peace then enters in, and grace imparts within their hearts
His peace on earth, good will to men.” (verse 5) In verse 6 he implores “make Him your choice.” I do not know if Longfellow followed Jesus, but I do know his words are accurate.

 

As long as we live thinking we have the answers, life is going to be chaos and pain. Peace will be as elusive as trying to hold the wind in our hand. The idea of repent is admitting that we are wrong and God is right. Repentance also means turning from sin. Sin creates and causes all human ills.

 

I’m somewhat amused at how vigorously humanity is fighting, or denying, Covid-19. We desperately search for prevention and cure. But humanity has a disease that is 100% fatal. The curse, caused by sin, will physically kill every one of us. Stubbornness, the unwillingness to repent, will spiritually condemn us to eternal Hell.

 

Make Jesus your choice!