Peace

We all want peace.

We associate peace with calmness and tranquility.

Peace and easiness, we think, go hand in hand.

Peaceful is the man's face in the coffin.

Peaceful is a quiet meadow.

Peaceful means free of conflict, chaos, or fear.

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But what if that's not right?

What if peace is much more about resolve.

About congruency. Rhythm. Assurance.

Reassurance.

Peace does not mean stillness.

Peace means....

what does peace mean?

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Because there are some who yearn for peace.

There are some who dwell in it.

And there are others who never feel it in their own hearts, but extend it to others.

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Peace is not easy.

Peace does not mean you are not afraid.

Peace is that big breath you take before you barrel ahead.

Peace is standing in the middle of the storm, the war, the hurt and not losing ground.

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There are a few different Greek words for "peace" in the Bible. In the New Testament, most of the time the word "eirēnē" is used (εἰρήνη).

According to Strong's concordance, this word can mean,

1) state of national tranquillity
a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war
2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
4) of the Messiah's peace
a) the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death

(blueletterbible.org, 31 July 2010)

I wonder if peace is not what you feel.

It is what you are.

I do not feel peaceful.

I am at peace.

Peace is not an emotion, but it is a state of life.

Because our emotions are fleeting and unstable... but if we seek it, peace is a state of being, which bears fruit.

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There is a form of the word peace, which is used when Jesus calms the storm in Mark 4.

"Peace be still," He commanded the raging winds and waves.

This is the authority I want Him to have over my life.

This word... siōpaō σιωπάω.. means an involuntary quiet.

As in someone who is dumb, someone who physically cannot speak.

In the middle of the storm, Jesus stood up, and struck the storm speechless.

Hold your peace.

Be quiet.

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My prayer for you is you would find peace. Not as a feeling or an emotion. But peace would become who you are. May you continue to extend it to others who do not know it. May you accept it as a gift into your own heart. May you know what it means to stand in the boat with your Savior, and let His peace carry you through.

May you let Jesus come in and calm the storms of your heart. Striking your turbulent world into peacefulness - with just one word.