Peace in the In-Between - Devotion 1

What is Peace? 

Peace has a different definition based on the circumstances, at least that is how we usually live. Should you be living in a household of young children, you may have heard your spouse or even yourself declare, “Can we please have some peace and quiet!” Peace in this instance is simply some time alone and some time of quietness in the home.  

For others, peace is the ability to take part in a hobby you enjoy. I can find peace on the golf course, but let us be honest, golf is not always peaceful. Maybe your hobby is reading, working in the yard, making a quilt, working on or washing your car, watching a movie, playing sports, milking a cow, playing a video game, or taking a walk or hike outside and enjoying God’s creation; we can find peace in our hobbies. Still, others find peace in bettering themselves through going to the gym, loving their careers, and pursuing meaningful friendships or even a person to spend the rest of their lives with.  

That peace is fleeting, however. It only lasts as long as we are interested in taking part in the hobby, as long as the person that we are married to does what we think they should, as long as I am moving forward in my journey to physical health, as long as my friends make me happy, or as long as my career is fulfilling.  

Do any of these things really bring us peace? 

A definition of actual peace might be freedom from disturbance, quiet and tranquility, mental calm, or, in a larger context, freedom from the cessation of war or violence. This is not a bad definition of peace, but it is not complete at all. While this definition is included in the peace spoken of in God’s Word, there is more. 

As I wrote in the Bible Study, the word shalom comes to mind from the Old Testament. In fact, a name of God is actually Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord is Peace. He is peace! Shalom is a much deeper definition of peace. This peace is completeness, wholeness, well-being, and total welfare of body, mind, and soul. This peace is positive. It is a time, place, and condition that features love, calmness, and moral uprightness. At the core of shalom is the fact that God will make everything right again.  

This leads us to a conclusion that things are not right as they are. This is why we struggle for peace in our lives. We know things are not right. This is living in between the Advents. Jesus brought peace, but it is not complete yet. This is the tension of the prophecies in God’s Word. There is a fulfillment in the now that is true, but there is a fulfillment that is yet to come. Living in the in-between means living in the now and the not yet. 

The question remains: How?  

Let us meet here again tomorrow and begin that conversation.