Peace
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:27
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
PEACE DOES NOT FALTER
What is the peace of the Lord? What gift did he give to his disciples, and by extension, to all of us who love him?
One thing the peace of the Lord is not is freedom from hardship. Jesus himself, soon after saying these words, would submit to death on a cross. Likewise, his apostles would be persecuted and all but one would die a martyr’s death. No, the peace of the Lord is not ease.
It is not ‘being at peace’ because the world has conformed to our needs, expectations, and desires. The Lord has given us his peace, which is a peace that does not falter in the face of hardship but shines all the brighter because of it. It is the peace of being in loving relationship with the Word of Life, the author of creation, the one, without whom, nothing would breathe or move or love. This peace shocks the world, which believes that suffering is the end of peace.
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As one early follower of Christ put it: “My heart is restless until it rests in Thee,” meaning that, apart from God, there is no real or lasting peace. Apart from God, we can expect fear and anxiety to rule our lives.
But how do we receive this gift? If we are ill-at-ease, restless, anxious, fearful, how to do we open our hearts to accept what our Lord and Savior freely offers? Scripture provides a beautiful and simple answer. We are to ask God for his peace. As Paul put it: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7). Humble prayer and gratitude are the key to the door of peace.
Prayer for Peace
Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have showered upon me. Thank you for the gift of life and your immeasurable love towards all humankind. Please give me the peace and reassurance of your presence. Drive far from me all fear and anxiety, all shadows and darkness. Help me to cling to you, to love you, to desire only you. Help me, O Holy One, to rest in you.