A Word About Peace

Peace seems to be drifting farther and farther away from our reality.  Christians must be on the frontline calling for peace.  Amid the storm, the racket of our societies, the noise within our souls, we must fight to maintain peace.

How do we do that?  I ask again, how do we do that?

The song “Let There Be Peace on Earth” suggests it should begin with me.  It should start with you.  It should begin with us. 

But again, I ask, how do we do that?

A story of Isaac in the Bible provides an example.  In the 26th chapter of Genesis, we learn that Issac had run into some trouble at the hands of his foe, Abimelek.  This man had been hostile toward Isaac, dried up his well, and turned him out from Gerar, the land that Issac called home.  Isaac is visited by God, who tells him that, like his father Abraham, he will be blessed. In response to this divine promise, Issac worshiped God, and his men were able to dig a new well. 

Isaac had found favor with God, and once this news reached Abimelek, once he understood that the relationship between God and Isaac was the real thing, he wanted it and the protection it afforded as well.  After mistreating Isaac, he has the nerve to come and ask Isaac to make a treaty with him.  Abimelek wanted Isaac to agree.

What is Issac’s response? Isaac prepares a feast for his foes and agrees to this treaty, which calls for man not to harm man.  In return for hostility, a man of God offered peace.

How do we help peace reign here on earth?

Pray for God’s favor.  Then ask God to fill you with His internal peace.  Practice spreading that peace everywhere you go.  Place a sticky note on your refrigerator or on your mirror to remind you to go with God and let peace begin with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reads:  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This is a time for you to pray alone, to pray with others, to pray silently, and to pray out loud.  Pray in the morning.  Pray in the noonday hour.  Pray in the evening.  Pray at night.  Pray for peace!!  Come on, people, let’s pray together for peace!!

Dear Lord, if I find favor in your sight, please fill me with your internal peace.  Let me be the vessel that encourages others to be ambassadors of peace.  Give me the voice that they might hear my message. Help me to seek you for my internal peace so that it might spread throughout my family, my community, my church, this country, and this world.  Please let there be peace on earth and please let it begin with me.  It is in the matchless name of Jesus that I offer this prayer.  Amen!