Destination: Peace
Dear Grace Baptist Family,
We are continuing our look at “destinations.” It is the early part of the summer vacation season and there are many people who are making plans and preparations for their summer vacation destination.
I am having us take a look at another type of destination. These are Biblical places that we should visit and linger in and actually make a part of our daily lives.
Our destination today is, “peace.”
A dictionary definition of peaces suggests that peace is “freedom from disturbance”; “inner tranquility”; and “agreement and harmony between individuals.”
It is easy to see when there is no peace. It results in disharmony, anger, hostility, rampage, destruction, murder, brawls, fractious words, anxiety, war, conflict, unrest and turmoil. And there are a host of other behaviors and attitudes that occur when there is no peace.
As we look around us we see very little peace. The sign that reads, “No God—No peace…Know God—Know peace” is accurate. It reveals to us that the reason there is no peace in the world is because people do not know the Prince of Peace, Jesus.
Proverbs 29:99 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
Isaiah 48:2222 “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
Jeremiah 6:1414 They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.
Isaiah 9:66 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Consider a few thoughts on your journey to our destination of peace.
- God is the source of all peace. Romans 15:3333 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. This is first and primary if there is to be any peace in a person’s life. The broken relationship with God can be restored.
- Jesus restores the broken relationship. Romans 5:11 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Peace can rule our lives. Colossians 3:1515 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
- Troubles can disrupt our peace. John 16:3333 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
- Peace results when the Holy Spirit controls our lives. Galatians 5:2222 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- We should work at living at peace with others. Hebrews 12:1414Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
- We should tell others about this peace. Ephesians 6:1515 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
- We obtain peace through God’s Word. Psalm 119:165165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
- We obtain peace through prayer. Philippians 4:6–76 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace is possible even in a world that is troubled. Peace is possible when our world is troubled! So few people including a lot of believers actually live in peace. But we can and should. When our hearts are troubled and there is no peace, we must go to the destination of peace. It is available, accessible and enjoyable.
One other thought for you to meditate on when you are troubled and do not have peace is what Jerry Bridges identifies when he says,
The result promised to us when we come to God in prayer with thanksgiving is not deliverance, but the peace of God. One of the reasons we don’t find this peace is because all too often we will not settle for anything other than deliverance from the trouble. But God, through Paul, promises us peace, a peace that is unexplainable. It transcends all understanding. And, says Paul, it will guard our hearts and minds against the anxiety to which you and I are so prone. [Bridges, Jerry. The Practice of Godliness.]
Peace is the desperate need and cry of those around us.
May we be among those who have a true inner peace that is real and genuine and shows the world the reality of Jesus and the difference He makes in our lives.
2 Peter 1:22 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Please pray for our services this Sunday, please pray for me as well. I look forward to worshiping the Lord with you. I do hope you will be able to join us in person.
In Christ,
Wynne Kimbrough
Your Pastor
