FINDING PEACE
‘Peace’ is best understood by its negative definition, ‘the absence of conflict’.It is easy to see that the history of mankind is riddled with conflict between nations. It is no different in today’s world. And while there may be geographical pockets of peace, the harsh reality is that peace is rarely found within the confines of man. Inner peace is often far beyond reach.
The first step is to realize that man needs to find peace with God.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.(Romans 5:1)
The status quo of man’s relationship with God is characterized by a hostility brought on by man’s sinfulness. We are born sinners- our sinful nature that has been woven into us by the sins of our ancestors and further aggravated by our sins prevents us from having any relationship or harmony with God. And so Jesus’ mission was to set this hostility aside by dying for our sins on the cross. All who believe in this sacrifice are justified by God through faith and find the inborn hostility erased. Peace with God is a sequel.
Next, man needs to find peace with himself. We are spiritual-physical beings and our existence is generally characterized by a deep-seated conflict with ourselves. Even after our spirits become united to God through Christ as detailed above, our physical component (anything that perishes at death, including our bodies and the finite portions of our soul) are out of sync with a renewed spirit because of long standing abuse by sin. And so man struggles through life, in conflict with himself, never contented and never at rest. Paul’s words offer some hope,
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:6,7)
Prayer is one solution that brings home the elusive peace to a seeking man. And when that peace becomes a reality, it is beyond human understanding, something that cannot be manufactured by man. Man’s soul finds rest, and inner peace becomes a reality.
Reading God’s word, obeying his law, practicing righteousness, being led by the Spirit of God are other recommendations we read in the Bible to make inner peace a reality on a daily basis as we march through life.
