This is the fourth in a series of articles on the subject—Do You Know God? Our purpose has been to gain a deeper understanding of God with a view to developing a closer relationship with Him. In the discussion that follows, another facet of God’s nature will be considered—specifically, that Jehovah is the God of Peace.
In the book of Judges, the story is told of one of God’s chosen deliverers by the name of Gideon. The angel of God charged Gideon with the task of delivering the Israelites from Midianite oppression. The Lord encouraged Gideon concerning the battle ahead with these words, “Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die” (Judges 6:23). In response, Gideon built an altar to God and named it Yahweh-Shalom—The Lord is Peace.
Gideon came to realize that the Lord would be with him in the challenging days ahead. It is important that we all come to have this same understanding. Only through a relationship with God can true peace in the midst of life’s battles be found. But, it must be a relationship built upon trust in Him. We must learn to let God fight our battles. “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
Let’s consider three facts about how this peace can be ours.
Spiritual Peace Is Found In Jesus. The word shalom used in reference to God carries with it the idea of wholeness or completeness—this is true inner peace. Jesus came to make this peace with God a reality. He is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Our Lord taught His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). The work of evangelism is to “present every man complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). To be complete is to have peace with God through Jesus.
Peace Is A Fruit Of The Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul includes peace in the list of the fruit of the Spirit at Galatians 5:22. The fruit of the Spirit is produced when we study and accept the teaching of Scripture. The desires of the flesh are “immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21). The Bible teaches us—”walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). It is this walk, or manner of life, that will bring peace to our souls—pursuing the desires of the flesh will only lead to a life of misery.
The Peace That Comes From God Requires Sacrifice. Peace with God is possible as the result of the death of Christ on the cross. This was the ultimate sacrifice. Those seeking peace in life must be willing to sacrifice as well. Jesus said, “And he who does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:38-39). Living for self will not lead to peace—living for Christ will!
Do you know the Peace of God? Have you entered into a relationship with Jesus in which you have been made whole or complete? Are you walking by the Spirit? Have you sacrificed self for the sake of Jesus? Make a decision today to find true inner peace with God—come to know the God of Peace!