Peace

“Thou wilt keep the man of steadfast purpose in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee”.   Isaiah 26:3

Peace – This verse can be translated in several ways.  It might be rendered, “You will keep the nation of steadfast purpose in perfect peace, …” or “You will keep in perfect peace the mind of steadfast purpose,  . . ”  The Hebrew word for peace is shalom.  It is still used in personal greetings today.  In spite of the various translations of this verse, the word for “peace” is not ambiguous.  Its meaning is much deeper than simply the absence of strife or hostilities.  Its true context means completeness, wholeness, harmony or fulfillment in both our undertakings and our relationships.  This kind of peace is the result of God’s promise toward us.  While we were at war with God, He issued a declaration of peace toward us. 

God’s peace is not the result of a negotiated settlement but rather the outcome of His righteousness.  Under God’s rule, the man who has been given God’s peace is the man who has been blessed with God’s rest and who is treated with grace.  All of this comes about through a divine gift. It is important to remember that Jesus was called the Prince of Peace.  His death healed the wound between God and us and makes all other recovery possible. Recovering addicts know very well the strife of the soul.  This verse promises that God Himself will give us peace.  Our word for this experience is serenity.  It will come as a gift from God when we diligently pursue the surrender of ourselves and trust in God’s care.  Is there anything more important that an addict longs for than peace?  We can all recall those days and nights of terror in our souls when we felt for certain that we were abandoned in the universe, at war with existence and ready to die.  God calls us back to sanity, and offers as a gift what we could never find by struggle – peace of heart.  Make a joyful noise!

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