Introduction
One of the most important privileges of believers is the peace of God that they enjoy. This peace of God, according to Webster, is a condition of freedom from disturbance, whether outwardly from oppression and attack or inwardly, within the soul. It means “shālōm” in Hebrew which implies “soundness,” “health,” or “prosperity,” well-being, all good in relation to both man and God. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia). Scripture sources were taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
The Peace of God
It has been written in the Holy Scriptures that “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee” (Isa 54:10). Again, Jesus promised His disciples of peace when He mentioned that “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Joh 14:27). If it is true that believers are privileged to enjoy peace, why is it that they keep suffering? This does not mean that Christians are insulated from the sufferings in the World, but the truth is that upon their reliance on the grace and mercies of the Lord, they receive new strengths to go their suffering with Christ Jesus with hope and anticipation that it shall surely end well with them.
But no Peace
The first reason to consider is the failure to live by the word of God. Many believers forsake the word of God and seek peace from the world. Jesus Christ charges believers to take His yoke upon them, and learn from him his meekness and humility of heart for it is in doing this that they shall find rest for their souls. He affirms that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Mat 11:29-30). To get relief from burdens and worries, Peter writes that believers should cast all their care upon God because He cares for them.
Again, some believers fail to rationalize as human beings. They desire to attribute anything to God and rely on Him instead of acting on the wisdom and knowledge they have already endowed with. This does not mean that believers should not depend on God but they should be able to make use of their mental and cognitive abilities. For instance, if God blesses a person with a business capital, it is for him/her to find out by learning and experience how to gain and retain customers in order to realize profits. Though God could divinely bless an individual with the wisdom and knowledge of doing business if asked (Jas 1:5), this does not completely erode human responsibilities.
Also, unnecessary comparison and competition leading to extravagant or ostentatious lifestyles could rob people of their peace of mind. The standard of beauty as portrayed on television screens make some people overspend their resources. This would not bring peace but would increase debts and distress. The uncontrollable desire to be rich, and to be rich as soon as possible (1Ti 6:6) is the root cause of loss of peace for many people (1Ti 6:10). The Bible is true when it says that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1Ti 6:6). Accepting to live within one´s means is a way to secure one´s peace.
More so, ignorance has defrauded many of their peace. Some people are in the deplorable situation because of lack of relevant information or knowledge. Some people are under servitude but they have accepted it to be normal because they are ignorant of their rights as humans and the opportunities available to them. Other people have discovered their situation and are seeking peace but they do not know how. This makes Prophet Isaiah write that the way of peace they do not know; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths and whosoever goes in shall not know or have peace (Isa 59:8). It was to direct people to the way of peace that the Lord Jesus Christ was born (Luk 1:79).
Peace as a Blessing from God
It is only God who gives peace to mankind. It is a blessing from the Lord God. He has promised and assured believers of His blessings as detailed in Isaiah 54:10 above. In fulfilling this covenant, the Lord shall surely give strength unto his people and bless them with peace (Psa 29:11). God forbid that you seek peace outside of Christ Jesus, for it is like chasing a mirage, you would never find it.
Conclusion
Peace is available to believers as a privilege of their heavenly citizenship. The way of peace is not in any material possessions or pleasures, but it is only found in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: May the peace of God that is sincere and eternal be your portion. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!