Generally, peace is conceptualized in terms of freedom from conflict or disturbance. On September 30, 1938, Neville Chamberlin, after signing an agreement with Adolph Hitler, stood outside 10 Downing Street and proclaimed to the people of England: “My good friends…I believe it is peace for our time…Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.” Today, a glance at media headlines reveals that his sincere, although naive, belief is a yet unfulfilled yearning echoing among the nations of the world.
Conversely, Jesus, prior to His departure, addressing the root of the problem and not the symptoms, promised His followers: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27 NIV). Using a common Hebrew greeting in an unusual way, He provided hope for all who are anxious or fearful:
- The search for peace, apart from the redemptive work of Christ is, at best, a longing or wish; at worst, delusional or destructive.
- In fellowship with God, Christ’s offer of peace provides total well-being and inner rest of our spirit.
- Imparted unto us by the Holy Spirit, it is a gift which cannot be earned or achieved by human ingenuity, design, or effort; however, we are responsible for cultivating and applying it, regardless of trials, temptations, or disappointments.
Overcoming Ineffectiveness
As a young pastor, constantly trying to develop and deliver inspiring sermons, I often found myself sharing concepts or ideals which I had heard and knew to be true; however, they were not yet part of the fundamental foundation of my very being. The resulting ineffectiveness led me to realize that my DOING must always flow out of my BEING! More recently, as Linda’s battle with Alzheimer’s has increasingly demanded more of my time and energy, Jesus’ gift of peace has become my lifeline. Cultivating and applying it, regardless of trials, temptations, or disappointment has become a central tenant of my very existence. Whenever I find my peace threatened, which is often, I do a quick reality check: “Jesus, you have not changed; your peace is continuous!” “What am I allowing to erode the peace that you have so freely given?” The answer always points to my tendency to forget the need for total dependence on Him.
Sharing Our Story
Early on, in my role as primary caregiver to Linda, my goal was to make it through each day. Gradually, I determined mere survival was not an option; God desired for me to thrive and share our story with others. Here are three important components of cultivating and applying Jesus’ gift of peace:
- While trying to meet all the diverse needs of a dementia sufferer, it is very easy to forget the need to maintain a personal relationship with Christ. Therefore, I continually remind myself that I must stay connected to the Vine: Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me (John 15:4 MSG).
- An unwillingness to ask for help from others caused me great pain until I realized I was depriving fellow believers of a blessing: …God has mingled the body parts together, giving greater honor to the “lesser” members who lacked it. He has done this intentionally so that every member would look after the others with mutual concern, and so that there will be no division in the body. In that way, whatever happens to one member happens to all. If one suffers, everyone suffers. If one is honored, everyone rejoices (1 Corinthians 12:24b-26 TPT).
- Disregarding the need to make physical exercise a part of my daily routine has on several occasions resulted in unnecessary physical injuries: You realize, don’t you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God’s temple, you can be sure of that. God’s temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 MSG).
When tempted to question Jesus’ wonderful gift, I am drawn to a hymn written 132 years ago:
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
Ron Harvard Ministries 