When the hymn-writer wrote those words, ‘When peace like a river attendeth my soul, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul,’ he described the reality of the alternating of peace and turbulence in the life of a believer. More peace and less turbulence is my goal. But how does one “get” peace?
The Bible gives some important answers to this question. First of all, Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” So on the one hand, peace has been given to us by Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
Although we have been given peace, we need to live in the place of peace. To that end, the Bible also teaches us to pursue peace. The Psalmist in Psalm 34:14 says to “depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” Romans 12:18 tells us, “if it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 14:19 tells us to “pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Hebrews 12:14 says, “pursue peace with all people.” (emphasis added) These verses speak of a lifestyle that we, as believers, need to seek after. We need to put some effort into peace-making and peace-keeping. We need to not be the ones engaging in peace-taking.
The better news is found in the book of Isaiah where the prophet says of God in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” The reality is that when our minds are focused on God, God keeps us in the peace He promised us.
May the peace of God descend upon your heart today. May you pursue peace as much as you are able.
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