Living in Peace

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”–Colossians 3:15

My friend and I have been having a conversation about the Hebrew word “Shalom”. This word, meaning “peace”, also seems to mean other things including “wholeness”, a state of mind, peace between individuals or countries, people and God, etc… It can mean different things to different people.

As we look around our world, it isn’t hard to see that we are not at peace with one another. The daily news assaults us with messages and images about our own country and our actions towards other countries that do not lay down the path for peace. In our communities, in our homes, in our hearts, peace can elude us. A popular quote from QuotesToEnjoy.com is seen on signs and on social media:

Why do we only rest in peace? Why don’t we live in peace too? (Author unknown)

I have been thinking about that quote and about Shalom. Is peace only possible when we are all dead? Is peace unattainable?

I think we all have times when we need to make peace with something or someone. Sometimes we need to make peace with God. When I was growing up my pastor said that we “live in a world of dis-ease.” Dis-ease. Not ease. Put the word together and you get “disease”. The world is on edge and always will be. Sin has entered it and we cannot go back until Christ comes and makes a new heaven and a new earth. There peace and ease will reign.

I am encouraged by the text in Colossians (above) that we can have peace and have it rule in our hearts NOW. We don’t have to wait for a new heaven and a new earth to come. Christ has made peace with us through His death on the cross, and through that, we can have peace with God. Peace can truly rule in our hearts. And I think this is where Shalom can come in. It is a peace with God, a peace with one another, a peace with ourselves, a wholeness. When we are at peace, we are not fighting ourselves. We are not fighting one another. We are not fighting God. It transcends above all things, this peace of Christ. It is unexplainable, incomprehensible, but attainable through faith. And I think it starts right in our own hearts.

Where do you need Shalom this week? Invite God to change your heart, put you on the path to peace, and walk in the peace of Christ, knowing it has the power to change your life and the lives of others!

Prayer–“God of peace, forgive me for being at odds with you and others. Help me to have your shalom in my heart, change me from the inside out to walk in your path of peace. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”