Holding Onto Peace- Part 2
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. II Timothy 1:2 (KJV)
This tells us that peace comes from God the Father and Jesus.
Peace in Hebrew is shalom, meaning health, prosperity, peace of mind, total wellbeing and wholeness. It speaks of nothing being missing and nothing broken. It encompasses completeness, welfare, prosperous relationships, and being at ease in all things.
Peace in Greek is the word eirene. It is the equivalent of the Hebrew word shalom. It speaks of wholeness and includes calmness, perfect wellbeing, harmony in relationships, and an internal state of wellbeing. Peaceful relationships with God and man can come only through Christ, so He is the Prince of Peace.
Peace begins with a right relationship with God, which we can get only through Christ. This then affects all our relationships. Such peace produces perfect health, which is God’s desire for us.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. III John 1:2 (KJV)
We see that peace produces prosperity if it is appropriated by faith. We can have peace of mind as we keep our minds stayed and focused on the Lord (Isaiah 26:3).
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
As we follow these instructions, we will have peace, and that peace will guard and watch over us. This peace affects our thoughts, leading us to think like God thinks- looking at those things that are true, honest, just, etc.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Thus, we’ll have total wellbeing- spirit, soul, and body and we’ll be preserved until the coming of the Lord.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV)
As we hold onto our peace, we hold onto the promises of God and all that Christ died to provide us. As a result, we will enjoy God’s presence now and forever. So, hold onto peace to keep all that belongs to you.
