Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Unfolding Lesson of Peace

In the post, Right Here, Right Now, I shared a peek into this growing lesson the Lord has for me on peace. I shared how staying right here in this moment with Him brings peace. But like I mentioned, that was not the end of the story.

What started out as a distinctly difficult day turned into a week long lesson in “Eirene” (i-ray'-nay)

What is “Eirene”, you ask? Oh, a simple little Greek word meaning, “Peace”. (Strong’s #1515)

Rest, in contrast with strife, denoting the absence or end of strife. Denotes a state of untroubled, undisturbed, well-being. Such a state of peace is the object of divine promise and is brought about by God’s mercy, granting deliverance and freedom from all distresses that are experienced as a result of sin.

Not the kind of peace I experience when things are going smoothly, the chores are done, the toddler is NOT screaming, I have a latte in my hand and everyone fully understands, Phonics, long division and solving algebraic equations. Nope, that is not really peace, that is a rarity, my friends, and takes no effort to remain at peace on my part.

The kind of peace I am talking about is having that “undisturbed and untroubled” state of well being right smack in the middle of the storm or hurricane, depending on the day. Winking smile

The Lord has been bringing scripture after scripture to my mind regarding peace. Funny, when He is trying to teach me something everywhere I turn there is another scripture, opportunity or story about PEACE!

Let the Word wash over you as your read the following scripture. I have added my own emphasis Winking smile.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15)

A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. (Pr. 14:30)

. . . And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7)

Coming up: digging deeper into the meaning of peace.

9 comments:

Helen said...

What a precious blog. Peace be with you!

cooperkelly4 said...

lovelovelove me some Greek! Love that definition for peace. Isn't it always so much more than we think it is (ie how I would define peace versus how God defines it.) God's word is just so rich. Thanks for sharing some of His depth. =0)

His bondservant said...

Oh, how I can so relate to what you are saying. Waiting for things to go smoothly to get peace...brief and all too quickly gone. Resting in peace with my Saviour? That can be accomplished at all times in all circumstances. I too am learning to rest in Him, though I still fail more often than I wish.

Unknown said...

Michelle, sorry I have been absent for such a long while. I know you understand!!! I've been trying to spend less time on the computer.

Anyway just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your post and wanted to share that the Lord has been placing verses in my path about TRUST, just as He has with you about PEACE.

LOVE ya!

Cherry said...

Michelle,

Thank you for this reminder. For me, the lesson lately has been on perspective. In my perspective, life is hard and I'd love to sit down and read that book in a clean house with a cup of coffee in hand too! But God is teaching me right now to see things from His perspective. These trials are brought about to shape and mold us!

I have been reciting Psalm 34: 1 with my children: "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be on my mouth."

He wants our praise in the midst of these trials. I opened an un-used Bible version on a shelf during a hard moment and read a note I'd left long ago:

"Problems don't rule us; they reveal us."

God Bless You! You are so sweet to share your life with us.

Anonymous said...

Michelle, I woke up this morning missing that "Peace". As I have yielded myself to a few of bloggers of my choice that seem to always have a message of good news for me .... this morning yours spoke loudly but gently to me. Without Peace ...is a place I do not want to dwell. I realize that this feeling of "without peace" is due to the last few days of being so caught up with "living" that I have not made time to spend with the One that is the Giver, Author, Creator, Owner of Peace...how can I have Peace without my daily constant contact with the Lord? Thank you this morning for the gentle nudge ....it was awesome for me this morning!

Carol Ann Weaver said...

I am writing a blog post for Romans 5 right now, and I had taken notes on this Greek Word in a study I did in 2006, but I didn't have the reference. So, I started typing the definition, and there it was in your blog! Blessings and THANKS!

www.3yearbiblebookclub.blogspot.com

Carol

Carol Ann Weaver said...

Hmm. Me again. That definition isn't in my Strong's. Did you get it somewhere else? It is the part that is in bold.

Carol Ann Weaver said...

Found it! I highlighted your whole quote, and it came up referenced. Thank for saving me having to type the whole thing out!

It is Zodhiates! Makes sense because he is the only one I don't have in my Logos software. I should have known. :) I love how he puts it in his Greek definitions!