Why do Christians want to extend peace to each other? What’s the big deal with peace? Those are interesting questions. Everybody thinks peace is nice but God’s robust peace is much more than nice! Let’s find out why.

The Amplified Bible provides a neat definition for this heavenly peace:

And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phillippians 4:7, AMP)

Peace does not exist apart from God. But if we dwell in God’s presence we have plenty of peace. When we cling to Jesus we are never alone. When we cling to Jesus we have peace in the midst of the storms of life.

Judy Booth has written a modern version of Psalm 23 that explains well what it means to live in God’s robust peace:

The Lord is my peace.
I shall not live in anxiety.
He puts me under his wing of comfort
& calms my spirit within me.
He takes all my anxieties on Himself
& helps me to focus on Him.
Yes, though I walk through
a time of grave uncertainties & fierce anxieties,
I will not fret-
for You are my peace.
Your Word & Your presence calm me now.
You hold my uncertainties in the palm of Your hand.
You soothe my anxious mind-
You smooth my wrinkled brow.
Surely serenity & trust in You
shall fill me all the days of my life.
& I shall keep my mind stayed on You forever.

We extend peace to our fellow pilgrims because there is nothing better than that. The big deal about God’s robust peace is that it’s all-powerful but available for everyone. Peace is not dependent on our performance, it is only dependent on the free grace of God through Jesus Christ. If you want to experience this peace you need to just cry for help. God is all about grace and peace.

Our heavenly father is the God of Peace (Hebrews 13:20, AMP).
Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, AMP).
The Holy Spirit is the Power of Peace (Ephesians 4:3, AMP).

God is peace.
God gives peace.
God produces peace.

The Message Bible describes peace as wholeness. Jesus wants us to have his peace that leaves us well and whole.

I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. (John 14:27, MSG)

God of Peace is giving us peace in Jesus. But we don’t need Jesus just to be saved. We also need Jesus to be made whole and have his joy in our lives. God the Holy Spirit wants to produce peace and wholeness in and through us.

The questions that remain are:
Do you want to have peace?
Do you want to get well?
Do you want to be made whole?

 

Gracious God,
We need you!
We want you!
Come and give us your peace!
Make us well and whole,
put our lives together.
Make us what creates you most pleasure!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How have you experienced God’s robust peace?

   May God, who puts all things together,
      makes all things whole,
   Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
      the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
   Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
      up and alive from the dead,
   Now put you together, provide you
      with everything you need to please him,
   Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
      by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
   All glory to Jesus forever and always!
      Oh, yes, yes, yes.
(Hebrews 13:20-21, MSG)

Image courtesy of Casey Johnson. Linking up with Thought-Provoking Thursday & Experiencing the Love of Koinonia &

P.S. A new feature at Flowing Faith starting this weekend! It’s called “Weekend Prayer Wall” and all the bloggers are invited to link up and all the readers are invited to add their prayers in the comment section! A practical way to experience peace through praying! Come and join us!