The word peace is mentioned 94 times in the NT. The Lord is the “Prince of Peace” (Is. 9:6). The heavenly hosts sang out right after His birth saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Lk. 2:14).
Paul’s letters, 13 consecutive books, from Romans all the way through Philemon, begin with the inclusion of a greeting of peace to his brethren. Certainly this speaks volumes about the significance of peace.
The peace found in the NT generally refers to the inward blessing of tranquility and rest. It is a freedom from fear and anxiety. This blessing is so easy to take for granted until it is gone. At that point it is missed almost like none other.
Paul, nearing the conclusion of Romans, says in 15:33: “May the God of peace be with you all.” We are informed that in Judges 6:24 that Gideon built an alter to the Lord. Do you know what he called it? “The Lord Is Peace.” Peace comes from God as it flows from His very nature or essence. We know that “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:8), but how often do we think that God is Peace? Is it less significant?
Understanding this is very important because it provide us with the proper direction to turn in order to find peace. Many seek peace and release from the unrest of this world in all the wrong places, like alcohol and illicit relationships. Worldly “solutions” for inward turmoil tends to multiply difficulties, and certainly doesn’t honor God. Paul says in Romans 8:6: “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Observe the parallel here, but don’t miss the last two words at the end: “and peace.” Setting the mind on the things of the Spirit leads to a peaceful life.
It is critical we understand that peace is something that must be pursued. It is remarkable how many times the word pursue, or a similar word, is used in regards to finding peace (for example, see 1 Pt. 3:11; Rom. 14:19; see Heb. 12:14 – “strive”). Pursue is an aggressive word. What kinds of things do we pursue? Things that we value! When we assign the proper value to peace, we will naturally seek it as we ought to.
But how exactly do we pursue peace? Peter says in 2 Peter 1:2: “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Pt. 1:2). It is impossible to separate real peace from the knowledge that comes through Scripture. It supplies both the way of peace and the motivation for seeking it. Pursue peace through God’s Word.
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In 1 Peter 3:11 Peter says, “let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” If you find yourself not at peace, you will always help yourself by not only turning from evil, which causes inward turmoil, but also by doing that which is good. Do what you know to be right. Think about others (Phil. 2:3-4). Write someone an encouraging note. Serve someone. Pray for your brethren. Thinking of others takes your mind off of self and brings peace. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Peace is found in turning to God in prayer. We sing: Sweet Hour of Prayer! Paul teaches us in Philippians 4:4-7 that the unsurpassing peace of God is available through prayer. God is near and will hear the prayers of His people. Our level of peace is likely equal to our level of prayer.
There are no easy answers for obtaining peace. Many of us will at least struggle from time to time, especially with the onset of difficulties. One thing is certain, peace requires a pursuit in order to both obtain and maintain.
The apostles were anxious and burdened from the time of Jesus’ betrayal until His appearance to them after the resurrection. Three times in John 20, Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you.” But notice verse 26 specifically: “Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’” (John 20:26). Even in difficult times and with locked doors, the Lord and His peace found the disciples. Wherever we are and whatever circumstances we endure, the God of peace can be with us too.
God transcends the physical world, so does the peace He offers. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thes. 3:16).
Daren Schroeder
