“LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” (Isaiah 26:12)

In this world filled with conflict, where do we find peace? With growing violence in our town and cities, where do we find peace? As people struggle with anxiety and despair, where does one find peace? These are modern day questions, but they are the questions people have asked down through the millenniums and centuries. Isaiah said, “Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace. (Isaiah 59:7-8)

In the midst of all our conflicts and anxieties, there is only one place to find peace. This is in God who has come to us in these difficulties through the years. Isaiah also said, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Peace comes to us as we learn to trust and have faith in God and in his actions. “LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” (Isaiah 26:12) Everything we have is because of God and His actions in our lives. These actions motivate us. While we are obedient to Him, He gives us peace. After the resurrection, Jesus gave the Disciples His directions and God’s presence with them always. “’Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:21-22) He knew all the challenges, trials, difficulties, and persecution they would face, but with their trust in God and what He would do through them, God’s peace would be with them. This is the fruit of the Spirit which dwells in them, “the fruit of the Spirit is . . . . peace.” (Galatians 5:22)

As you and I live in this world with its conflicts and anxieties, it is easy to be drawn in and feel them and experience them in our lives.  This is why every day we must spend time with our Lord and trust what the Holy Spirit is teaching us. Then, through God’s activity in our lives and as we learn to listen to Him, He will give us peace. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) As we spend time with God, He also begins to renew our mind and bring clarity of though as we learn from Him. When we learn from Him, he gives us peace. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

As we walk with the Living Word of God, relying on the Holy Spirit to teach us through the Written Word of God, we come to His peace in this world filled with conflict and anxiety. May God bless you as you walk with Him.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block