Devotion #1: Peace with God
Saint Augustine said, “The purpose of all wars, is peace.” I find this quote to be very thought-provoking. We normally view war as always being evil. However, realizing the war, knowing the enemy, and going on the attack can lead to peace. This is especially true spiritually.
• Peace with God
Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Up to this point in Romans, we have been reminded that we are all sinners. That actually means that since birth, we are at war with God. Hopefully, our sin has brought so much turmoil and emptiness that we see our need for a Savior. God wants to use the war within to bring peace. Through Jesus Christ, we can have “peace with God.”
• Peace of God
Once we are at “peace with God,” we are open to the “peace of God.” Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Even though we are saved, we can and will still have struggles. Those challenges can be a gift from God in reminding us to daily rely on God in “prayer.” It can also help us focus on contentment by being thankful. Please realize and expect a “peace of God” that does not necessarily make sense. It clearly “surpasses all understanding.”
• Peace from God
Finally, there is also peace that comes from God. The phrase “peace from God” is found twelve times in Scripture (1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:3). It is even in Romans. Romans 1:7 says, “To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” A beautiful prayer for family and friends to pray they see God involved in their lives and experience the peace that comes from Him.
I disagree with Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said, “Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” We cannot find peace in and of ourselves. True peace can only come by and from God. If you are in a war right now, look up to the One who brings the victory.