Seeking peace? If you are trying to escape from the chaos of small children, the whirlwind of medical tests, or some other stress, you may be making a plea for peace. Peace is not something we can purchase no matter how much money or power we have, for true peace comes from the Lord.
Colossians 3: 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. [1]
Jephthah Sought Peace with Ammon
Jephthah, as commander of Israel’s army, first response to Ammon was to try to resolve the problem peacefully. Judges 11: 11 So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their ruler and commander of the army. At Mizpah, in the presence of the Lord, Jephthah repeated what he had said to the elders. 12 Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of Ammon, asking, “Why have you come out to fight against my land?” [2]
Jephthah sought to understand the conflict before attacking. Unfortunately, Ammon wouldn’t agree to peace. But what would happen if nations and people would attempt to peacefully resolve conflict before going to battle?
Seeking Peace from God
When the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:7 speaks of “the peace of God” that can guard our hearts and minds he is talking about more than the absence of noise or busyness. God’s peace gives assurance that all is right in your soul, even if you can’t resolve all the issues affecting you or foresee the outcome of anything at this point. God’s peace provides the assurance that God is still in control.
How do we find this peace? The Apostle Paul encourages followers of Christ to look above and beyond the problem and to simply pray about everything, thanking God for listening and answering according to His perfect will. We can then set our minds on the blessings around us.
Philippians 4: 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.[3]
These verses aren’t meant to be shallow sayings to someone who is suffering. Remember, God promises to give peace to all who seek for it. To hear more about the peace of God, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-jephthah
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.