Peace on Earth (And It Never Left)

Bible Study Devotional

Psalm 29:11 (NKJV)

“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.”

In the Bible, we are introduced to this concept of peace as something that is promised from God. In Hebrew, the word for “peace” is Shalom, which is not only the absence of war, but the continuing work towards making something whole again[1]. So, when we are promised peace, we are promised that eventually, everything within us and around us, will be completed. The hope of that fills us with peace as we live in this world for now. God’s peace is promised to His people. This poetic promise comes after a whole chapter of recognizing God’s power and mercy. Isn’t it interesting that after worshipping God, we have a promise of peace? It’s that realization that God is in control that is followed by overwhelming rest only provided by God.

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah prophesizes a Prince of Peace during one of Israel’s most devastating periods (Isaiah 9:6). Again, the title and promise of Peace comes after the many names of a strong, powerful God who brings salvation to His people. Imagine being at the lowest point of wars, conquering, and assimilation—and then hearing this beautiful promise. It may not sound like something you would WANT to hear, but it was something the Israelites NEEDED to hear. A reminder of God’s peace that will be sent and will never be taken away from them.

Luke 2:14 (NKJV)

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill towards men!”

            The moment that Jesus is born, the heavens and angels declare for the first time in the Bible that there is peace on earth. God’s promise of rest and peace from all strife is fulfilled in this moment. Jesus is the well awaited answer to a prayer that has been cried out for thousands of years. Every cry, and every outburst—God heard it. And He still hears it now. Sending His only Son to this world was the testament of His character and goodness. God finally answered the ultimate prayer, and completed the ultimate promise of sending a Redeemer so that we would not be lost to our sins ever again. And once more, we see praise to God before the statement of peace!

John 14:27; 16:33 (NKJV)

• “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

• “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

            During His ministry, Jesus continued God’s promise of peace. Echoing God’s earlier promises, He told His disciples and followers many times that He would never leave them. And He made a personal promise of leaving peace to them, from Him. The peace that surpasses all understanding was going to them and would stay. And the further promise that even though they would have troubles in this life, His peace was going to stay. The peace of Jesus is something that is so precious, so beautiful, that it could only come from Him. And the reminder that we have His personal peace should be enough to help us go boldly in doing His will—whatever that may be.

Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

            Before this verse, Paul encourages us to praise the Lord, testify of His goodness, and trust in Him always, without worrying. He reminds us of the Lord’s promise of peace that would never leave us. This is a reminder that is very much needed, considering that this is around the early Church and martyrdom of the Christians. Being told that God is with you, and that His peace is so great it cannot be understood, is very encouraging. We must remember that our Shalom is to be made whole and complete, and that is only possible with God. We have peace when we relinquish all of our cares to God. When we finally let go, and truly surrender our plans, desires, family, and friends, THAT is when we experience the peace that seems impossible. But it’s alright, because nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37)!

My Testimony about Peace

Peace is something that I have always prayed for. When I’m going through a tough situation at work, or at home, I always seek peace from God. Now, of course I pray for deliverance; I want God to remove my problems and give me only good things. But that’s not what peace is. Peace is knowing that God is in control, and that He will work everything out for good, no matter what. That realization suddenly makes all of my problems seem not as bad as before. And it is truly peace that surpasses understanding! Because of all the things I’ve faced, it’s pretty hard to imagine being so content. I’ve had to handle microaggressions at work, struggles of still living at home, and not progressing career-wise as I had hoped. And yet, I still have peace. My mind goes back to the many blessings that come out of the trials. Think about it: I may have issues at work, but I have a job. I may often feel like my space is limited while at home, but I have a home where’s there’s food, and where I’m not paying high rent! And I may not be where I want to be for a career, but there’s another avenue that I’m finally choosing to invest in that will bring me success if I remain faithful. So, looking at the positive side of things helps bring me peace in all circumstances.

And it can be the same with you! Give everything to God: anxiety, stress, money, time, etc. And watch Him work it out for you! Experience His overwhelming peace. Because realizing His peace brings joy, which brings confidence, which brings boldness, which brings passion to share the Gospel!

Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas. God Bless You

Luke 2:1-19

-Sherry Amor.

[1] Bible Project, Shalom-Peace (Advent Word Studies)