Is Peace Attainable here on Earth?

What is Peace?

Is peace a state that exists externally or is it an inner experience? Is peace a quality one can acquire through learning, or is it an innate trait we possess from birth? Is peace an action we can take, or is it solely an emotional sensation? Perhaps peace is a combination of both a feeling and a proactive choice or it can be a Being. It could be a serene and awakened sensation, distinct from the thrill of excitement or the drowsiness of sleep. Maybe peace is akin to the tranquility of reclining and gazing at the passing clouds. What exactly is peace? Have you ever pondered this?

The term "peace" is a universal concept found in most languages. It can be associated with discussions of peace treaties or periods of tranquility, denoting the absence of warfare. In the context of the Bible, "peace" not only signifies the lack or absence of conflict but also the presence of something better in its place. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace is "shalom," which carries the fundamental meaning of "complete" or "whole." It can describe an unblemished stone with a flawless, undivided shape. Similarly, it can refer to a finished stone wall devoid of gaps or missing bricks. "Shalom" refers to something that is complex with lots of pieces that is in a state of completeness.

So, peace takes a lot of work because it is not just the absence of conflict. True peace requires taking what is broken and restoring it to wholeness, whether it is in our lives, our relationships or in our world. Hence, it's significant that Jesus' birth in the New Testament was heralded as the arrival of "Eirene," signifying peace. Jesus came with the purpose of extending his peace to others, as evidenced when he told his disciples, "My peace I give to you all." The apostles asserted that Jesus accomplished reconciliation and established peace between flawed humanity and God through his death and resurrection. That is the rich biblical concept of peace.

Why are we seeking for Internal Peace?

-When we are worried/uncertain of the future

-When we anticipate negative circumstances to happen

How to attain Peace?

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

As we present our request to God, this verse does not promise us He will give exactly what we ask, but it is a promise of "God's peace" "peace of God" which we can't possess by hard work, only by just coming to Him, humbling ourselves acknowledging that He alone can give the peace we are seeking. He answers our request through different ways, the best way, the unique way He knows us. Come to Him and allow the peace of God dwell in us.