Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Turmoil and Chaos

Our fallen world is in a state of turmoil and chaos.

Chaos is the result of disorder. Sin and rebellion against God brought disorder because of the consequences of our sin, neglect, and rebellion toward God.

We all long for peace in our world and rest for our souls.

When Miss America contestants were asked, “What do you desire most?”, the most common and expected answer was “World Peace”.

Jesus the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6–7 NKJV

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Jesus the Peacemaker

Matthew 5:9 NKJV

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Peace Keepers vs. Peace Makers

The state of peace is not the result of peacekeeping but of peacemaking.

Peacekeeping intervenes to stop the combat without resolving the conflict.

Peacemaking addresses the root of the conflict so that all inclinations toward conflict are laid to rest.

Peace will not be established through peacekeeping negotiations. Negotiations and peace keeping efforts may stop the combat but do not eliminate the conflict.

Jesus came to bring a sword to establish peace!

Exodus 15:3 NKJV

The Lord is a man of war; The Lord is His name.

Luke 12:51 NKJV

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.

Matthew 10:34–39 NKJV

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

The Hebrew word for "peace" (Shalom) finds its root meaning in warfare.

According to the Hebrew Word Pictures by Frank T. Seekins (Phoenix: Living Word Pictures Inc, 1994) the Hebrew letters for "peace" ("Shalom": שׂלום) mean "to destroy (or consume) the authority that secures (establishes) chaos".

Receiving His Peace

Peace with God

Romans 5:1 NKJV

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Peace is obtained by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Maintaining His Peace

In your heart

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

In your anxieties

Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

In this world

John 16:33 NKJV

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.”

John 14:27 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.

If the world does not give you this peace, neither can it take it away from you.

In your storm

Mark 4:37–41 NKJV

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

The LORD will keep in perfect peace those:

Whose mind is stayed on the LORD.

Why? Because they TRUST in Him!

Response to the Word