Peace is often misunderstood as the absence of conflict. Of course, those moments are glorious. But life has unavoidable conflict, imperfections, tough seasons, so on. The beauty of peace is that it prevails in the middle of the turmoil.
William Mounce* writes, “…peace is a state of being that lacks nothing and has no fear of being troubled in its tranquility; it is euphoria coupled with security.”
Okay, yes. I questioned his use of the word euphoria when I read that quote. I’ve experienced peace, but that seems like a stretch, William. But, then again, I think he is right after all.
I’m realizing that there is more peace for me to experience in life. All of these verses on peace are an invitation rather than a letdown. They invite us to keep coming back to the source of peace and asking for more, to come back and set up a home there instead of a pitstop. (I’m preaching to myself today)
Isaiah 26:3 says, You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts you.”
Perfect is also hard to fathom. But, I’m going to keep coming back and inquiring in God’s presence (Ps. 27) until I know what it means—until I’m floating above the conflict. Are you with me?
*Dr. William Mounce is a Biblical language expert.
Brave Sparrow 