Peace and Power
I sat on the lawn chair on the lanai watching the ocean dance towards the shore. An overwhelming sense of peace washed over me. God’s creation offered so much beauty. The grass was a brilliant green. The ocean was deep velvet blue. The branches of the palm trees swayed to the same tune the waves danced to. The sky was colored a soft orange as the sun began its decent for the night. The peace I felt in that moment was a breath of fresh air for my soul.
As the winds picked up so did the waves. What started as a gentle ripple in the ocean grew to surging waves crashing against the black rocks that created the safe barrier between land and water. The powerful waves thundered in the dusk sky. The collision created a burst of pure white mass shooting through the air. Some of the showering bursts resembled thin layered clouds, while others mirrored the consequence of dropping a full gallon of milk on the floor. The power contained in the ocean was just as present as the peace I felt just moments before.
As I sat and listened to the ocean play this melodic tune with the crescendo being the crashing waves, I couldn’t help but think how this same overwhelming presence of peace and power flows through our triune God.
Isaiah prophesied that a child would be born and that He would be called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This name is reserved for Jesus alone. For it is only through Him that we can truly experience peace, in heaven with God and here on earth.
Peace is defined as a state of tranquility, freedom from oppressive thoughts or emotions, harmony in personal relations, and a state of mutual concord.
Do you have peace in your life? Are you living in a state of tranquility? Do your thoughts or emotions wear you down? Are your relationships thriving or are they strained?
In the world we live in today the idea of peace might seem unattainable. The crazy on-the-go schedules we have created or bought into leave us worn out and tired which can certainly play a role in frazzled emotions and strained relationships. If you take a look at any segment of life there seems to be turmoil all around-religion, politics, the economy. How is peace possible in a world like ours?
Jesus tells us in the gospel of John that He gives us His peace, therefore we do not need to be afraid (John 14:27). Again He tells us that even in the troubles of this world to have peace because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Paul prays, “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). We are also told not to be anxious about anything because this peace which transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).
Have assurance dear one, you can have peace in this crazy world through Jesus Christ. There is nothing this world can throw at us that God’s peace cannot calm. We simply have to trust and call on His name.
His name has great power, saving power (Acts 4:12, John 14:6, Mathew 1:21). At His name every knee will bow and every tongue confesses that He is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Even the demons are subject to the name of Jesus (Luke 10:17, Mark 16:17).
When we put our trust in our almighty God we are given the Holy Spirit who teaches us (John 14:26), helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:26), is our Helper who dwells within us (John 14:15-17), and gives us power (acts 1:8).
Peace and power. THE Prince of Peace whom all power and authority has been given.
Do you know the Prince of Peace? Have you embraced the power He has for your life?
Lord, thank you for the peace that surpasses all understanding, for in this world peace is hard to understand. Thank you for the power You hold as well as bestow upon me. Help me to rely on Your power and not my own. When I am anxious may I rest in Your peace.