Prevailing Peace in a Life of Conflict
John 14:27
Conflict is part of living. A common problem today is that most people don’t know how to deal with conflict – nor do they understand the source of real peace. So we have rapidly become a tranquilized society; whether drugs are acquired over the counter or on the street, the common goal is to escape from conflict.
People tend to define peace as the absence of hostility and anxiety, but the biblical term actually refers to something far broader. Jesus used the Greek word meaning “to bind together.” Scripturally, peace is the sense of wholeness or inner completeness that brings stability to a person’s walk, no matter what is transpiring. Jesus spoke not of peace that comes today and goes tomorrow, but rather of prevailing – that is, undefeatable – peace.
The key to enduring peace is found in a relationship. If you want tranquility that is everlasting, you need to build a relationship with Jesus Christ. We, too, can taste the oneness that He and the Father experienced. When the Lord says, “My peace I give to you,” He is not referring to a loan. His peace is a free gift, available to every one of His children.
If we will focus our attention upon Christ, He will give us perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3) That does not mean we are immune to sudden shocks – occasional times when we are thrown off balance by circumstances. But the power of the Lord’s prevailing peace is adequate to carry us through anything He allows us to experience.
Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries