Realms of Peace

By Paul Chappell

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

Colossians 3:15

In a Peanuts cartoon, Lucy expressed her frustration to Charlie Brown: "I hate everything. I hate everybody. I hate the whole, wide world!" Surprised, Charlie Brown replied, "But I thought you had inner peace." "I do have inner peace," Lucy retorted. "But I still have outer obnoxiousness!"

We all have people or situations that threaten to upset our peace. Thankfully, a Christian who is walking in fellowship with the Lord can know God’s peace on every level. Specifically, Scripture describes three realms of peace.

First, there is peace with God. Romans 5:1 teaches that this peace is established at the point of our salvation: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." When we trust Christ as our Saviour, we have no need to fear the wrath of God. We are forever justified through Christ.

After our salvation, God desires to give us inner peace. Philippians 4:6–7 tells us how this is possible: "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." As we bring our needs to the Lord with trust and thankfulness, we will experience His powerful peace.

Finally, God gives us the ability to live in peace with others. Romans 12:18 instructs, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." God desires that because of His peace in our hearts we would be peaceable—living in harmony and unity with others.

Some Christians know only a fraction of the peace God desires to give them. Take a moment to evaluate your life. Are you experiencing God’s peace in every realm? Thank God for His gift of peace, and allow the peace of God to rule in your mind and your relationships.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Having peace with God makes it possible for us to experience the peace of God and peace with others.