Are We Looking For Peace?

by Bro. Duane Marshall
10/05/2023

Isaiah 26:3 - “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Growing up in the Marshall house my dad never shared with us boys what he wanted out of life. There were never any goals discussed as to what he expected. I think his philosophy was whatever happened it “was good enough for the girls I would date”. Or he would often say, “It’s close enough for government work”.

Consequently, my brother and I were thrust into many different schools and communities because our dad could never seem to settle down in any one place. Over the course of 7 years, we moved to 7 different towns in 3 states and lived in 11 different neighborhoods. By the time I was fourteen, my brother and I had enrolled in 11 different schools. I think it was because our dad never had peace of mind, peace in his provision, or peace of security.

In Judges 6:23-24 Gideon learns that God is Jehovah-shalom meaning “the Lord is Peace”. It was during the dark hours of Israel’s history that God revealed himself to this young man in Manasseh. Nationally things were very bad for Israel because of the Midianites. The children of Israel had done evil in the sight of the Lord and the Lord delivered them into the hands of Midian for 7 years. The Israelites had made homes for themselves in the caves of the mountains. When everything looks bad they finally long for God’s peace.

When fear grips people they grope through the darkness longing for peace and reassurance that all will soon be straightened out. Have you ever been in a situation where you knew things can’t clear up now but you hope by next year things will be better? Peace cannot be found in any other place than in a right relationship with God. Sadly, my dad didn’t know that until the last few months of his life.

God has promised us in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” That’s peace of mind. Then we see in Psalm 119:165, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” This is a secure peace. Finally, Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.”  
For all of these verses to work for us we have to trust exactly what God says. Peace is not found in a place, peace is not in a profession, and peace is not in possessions. Peace is only found in a relationship with Christ. Are you looking for Him every day?

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