Peace is one of those godly attributes that I still don’t fully comprehend, and I wonder if I ever will come to a complete understanding of it.
The absence of fighting, conflict, or intense internal turmoil typically characterizes worldly peace. Usually, Counsellors will advise those who seek peace to practice self-care and engage in a pleasant activity. It’s not bad advice. In fact, as a Counsellor who works with non-Christians, I give out this advice all the time – especially when I talk with people who opt to numb themselves out in unhealthy ways in their attempts to gain a little peace. The desperate search for peace is an elusive and fleeting thing for most people in this world.
But for those of us who have The Prince of Peace with us as our Good Shepherd, that’s a very different story. The depths of peace available to us are mystifying – the Bible tells us that peace surpasses understanding; it’s a peace that we cannot fully comprehend. Peace is also a fruit of the Spirit; it’s a natural outcome of being connected to Jesus. Peace flourishes and blooms naturally when we are connected to the Prince of Peace.
Biblical peace, or “shalom”, means so much more than we might imagine. It refers to harmony, wholeness, and restoration. Psalm 85:11 says that “peace and righteousness kiss”, meaning that they are compatible with each other, and they co-exist well. Peace is not just the absence of something destructive, like war or conflicts, but it’s the presence of something richer, something restorative, redemptive and whole. The Bible Project has a beautiful short video on the meaning of the word “Peace,” which I highly recommend (Peace Word Study).
Peace is part of the very nature of God. Those who make peace are called children of God, because children reflect their parents’ traits. And as we look forward to a new Christmas season, we’re reminded that God already fulfilled His promise; in Jesus, we have a Wonderful Counsellor, a Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). And He keeps in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Let’s enjoy the beautiful gift that is peace!
