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 | Peace is defined as "an absence of civil disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal and external strife." This is such a simple word, but the act itself actually proves difficult at times, especially in today's world. The Bible uses a Hebrew word for peace which means "to be complete or whole; to live well." How beautiful is that? Who wouldn't like to say they've lived their lives well? Fortunately for us, our God is a God of peace. |
Many times in the Bible, those who were favored by the Lord were blessed with peace in their homes and the surrounding areas. In Leviticus, God promises to give peace while His people rest comfortably. But the past was no place for sleep. In fact, throughout most of history, nighttime was incredibly dangerous.
Once Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, humankind had a more difficult time acquiring food. They were no longer under the safety and comfort of their previous home. Until they became skilled in agriculture in this new, often dry, land, people were constantly on the move, searching for sources of food and trying to avoid predators. Because they moved often, there was no time to build up fortifications for protection. This meant that humans were at the height of vulnerability while they were sleeping. For God to allow His people to sleep without fear, they must have had the utmost trust in Him. Even if they were surrounded by an enemy's armies or stalked by fierce predators, He promised to keep them from harm.
God offers this same peace still. Even today, if we only trust in Him and keep our minds fixed on Him, we will be given that same peace. As counterintuitive as it sounds, peace is something we must fight for. We have to make a conscious decision every day to trust God so that He will give us a peace that passes all understanding. How can we practice trusting Him?
Fear and fighting are common hindrances we all face, but thankfully, God provides a way for us to conquer them. Focus on Him, trust His power, and allow His peace to fill your hearts and minds.
Once Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, humankind had a more difficult time acquiring food. They were no longer under the safety and comfort of their previous home. Until they became skilled in agriculture in this new, often dry, land, people were constantly on the move, searching for sources of food and trying to avoid predators. Because they moved often, there was no time to build up fortifications for protection. This meant that humans were at the height of vulnerability while they were sleeping. For God to allow His people to sleep without fear, they must have had the utmost trust in Him. Even if they were surrounded by an enemy's armies or stalked by fierce predators, He promised to keep them from harm.
God offers this same peace still. Even today, if we only trust in Him and keep our minds fixed on Him, we will be given that same peace. As counterintuitive as it sounds, peace is something we must fight for. We have to make a conscious decision every day to trust God so that He will give us a peace that passes all understanding. How can we practice trusting Him?
- Talk with God daily. Tell Him everything, but above all, take the time to listen.
- Resist evil. Focus on things that are pleasing to God, and He will draw near.
- Listen to the Holy Spirit. God sent a helper to act as a guide for His people; let Him.
Fear and fighting are common hindrances we all face, but thankfully, God provides a way for us to conquer them. Focus on Him, trust His power, and allow His peace to fill your hearts and minds.
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