What Does The Bible Say?
Question– What does the bible say about how to have true peace? So many things and people offer it, but I have been unable to find it yet.
Answer– True peace is only found in Jesus Christ. In Philippians 4:7, we read that we can have the peace that passes all understanding through Christ. This type of peace only comes when your soul is secure. That way, no matter what happens, there is peace to your soul and a calm in the midst of the storms of life. The word “peace” is used over 350 times in the bible. It is first mentioned in Genesis 15:15 and last in Revelation 6:4. It was commonly used as a greeting by the Jews and still is today (Shalom). It was used to refer to treaties made between nations. There was a “peace” offering that concerned maintaining a relationship with God. Peace is also used to describe moral virtue. The Bible mentions three kinds of peace: spiritual peace with God; relational peace with your fellow man and others; and emotional peace (peace within ourselves). Jesus did not use the greeting of peace (Shalom) before his resurrection, but did 3 times after it.
Peace is something everyone wants, yet sadly few seem to find it. Synonyms in English for it are: tranquility, harmony and security. In Psalm 41:9, it is used of a familiar friend you can trust and with whom you can let your guard down. In Isa. 45:7, we read that it is a gift from God. The presence of God’s peace on someone indicates God’s blessing and assurance on those of His people who are obedient to His commands and Directions. In Isa. 48:22, we read that there is no peace for the wicked. Someone can declare peace when there is none (Jer. 6:14). Obedience and allegiance to religions that teach against God’s word will bring no true peace to anyone. This is counterfeit peace and will never satisfy. In the New Testament, the Greek word for peace is “Eirene,” and it refers to rest and tranquility. In Isa. 9:6, Jesus is called the “Prince of peace.” The peace that comes from trusting God and obeying all that He says in the way he says to, is the only true peace (Phil. 4:7- it keeps our minds and hearts secure).
True peace is not found in things or people. So many people live their lives in turmoil and with much anxiety and fretfulness. This does need to be. When one is at peace with God, their life will be so much fuller and more meaningful. Jesus is the only one who can provide true peace. If you are floundering in life and unhappy, try doing what the Lord invited you to do in Matthew 6:33- “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Quit trying to do what Christ said was impossible in Matt. 6:24- “you cannot serve God and the world.”
Those who trust in themselves will search in vain for true peace. Those who follow false religions will only come empty and forsaken in the investment of time and energy they have expended in pursuit of something that cannot exist. True biblical peace can be everyone’s, but it comes at a price: unconditional commitment and obedience to God and His word. We stand ready to help you and others find that peace in Christ. Please allow us to help you.
Please address all questions and comments to What Does the Bible Say> C/O Maple St. Church of Christ, PO Box 3086, Liberty, TX 77575 and visit our website, maplestreetliberty.org.