Hi people! How are you all doing?
I’m doing well, even though last week was quite tough for me amidst all the events that happened across Nigeria, and more so in my city, Lagos. It’s been a difficult time for most of us and I thought we all needed time to breathe and sort through our emotions. Honestly, after the event on the 20th; I’m not sure I can drive through the Lekki toll gate yet; and thankfully, I haven’t had to till date. My mind can’t even picture how I would feel.
Amidst COVID-19 and the ongoing protests around Africa and the world, please remember to protect your mental health in these times. It is not weakness to admit that you are struggling; and when you need to, please seek help. You deserve to be whole. It is a wholesome mind that can effectively contribute to nation building at this time. When you need to, take social media breaks, naps, hydrate and properly nourish yourself, vent with trusted people, pray, etc. In all, please ensure you are well taken care of – body, soul, and spirit. It is very needful in these times.
Today, I’m sharing about “the force of peace”. I recognize that the topic almost seems like an oxymoron using force to describe peace which is commonly regarded as stillness and a state of quietness; but let’s go along and I’ll tell you why.
The concept of “peace” transcends the absence of disturbance. While the definition isn’t wrong, it infers that where there is some disturbance, the state of peace is unattainable. Though this is logical, there is more to peace than this, seeing that over the course of our lives, various issues – often beyond our control would come along to disrupt our peace. The irony of it all is that you even need a level of peace (mentally at least) to effectively sort through challenges and come up with solutions. If you are of the Christian faith, you know that the Bible is replete with verses about peace, so I’ll be discussing a few of these verses and sharing how they translate to practical realities.
This peace that defies the etymology of the word originates from only one source – Jesus. The Bible introduces him in Isaiah 9:6 as The Prince of Peace. As the prince, He heralds this gift of peace standing as the sovereign who graciously ushers, administers, and personifies peace. He is peace, in Him it rests, in Him there is calmness from the storms raging. Believe me, I know this not from Bible study or sermons, but from several experiences with His ability to quiet storms and cause you to ride on the waves. I know that even in the moments where you feel you’re drowning; He is stretching out to hold your arm; all you need to do is reach out and take it. Yes, it’s that simple. You can just tell Him right now as you read this where you need His peace. Friend, peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God. He is Jehovah Shalom! The God of Peace who cannot be contested or resisted.
So, how do we access this peace?
John 14: 27 – “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you”. The peace of God is His gift to us. You don’t need to get in a zone or be under any influence to access it; it is available. He already gave it to us for free; and guess what, His dimension of peace outclasses the world’s logic of peace being just a state of quietness. His is potent even in the wildest of storms, lasts for a lifetime and is guaranteed because it is a covenant between God and His children. (Numbers 25:12-13)
Is this peace strong enough?
Now, I know you’re concerned about the nature of this kind of peace; perhaps wondering if it would be able to overpower your large, naughty, and cantankerous problem but guess what, it is more powerful than any problem. His peace is such a force (powerful, potent, compelling) that can be applied to any situation and enforced in the face of seeming dissent. It never fails.
It is dependable, and strong enough that it has already overcome the world and the trouble that comes with it in advance of your arrival. If in doubt, check out John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] Just look at that!
So, how do we proceed?
The second part of John 14:27 gives us a step-by-step guide to follow.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]” In simple terms, take responsibility and ownership for leading your emotions. They are yours to manage and steward; choose peace as the signpost for your life and choose to be audacious even amid the storm. Not out of mere bravery but out of the knowledge that you have the Prince of Peace with you and His covenant of peace at work.
Let me be honest, this can be quite challenging when everything is screaming at you and threatening your sanity, but it is possible. The key is to find what His word says about that situation. I grew up seeing these pocket book series titled, “One Word from God by Kenneth Copeland” around my dad; and honestly, one word from God that catches light in your heart can light up your path irrespective of how looming the darkness seems. His Word is available as a lamp for your feet, and a light for your path (Psalm 119:105). It’s an anchor for your soul, keeping you steady even amid the storm.
You see, God’s peace is so powerful that it causes age-long problems to stand still. I love how TY Bello describes it in her song, she says “it’s like the stillness after an atomic bomb goes off”. Extreme but the impact is undisputable, it’s a deep-seated confidence that you are covered.
In closing, I share one of my favorite Bible verses, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
His peace is a force that gives fullness, perfection, overflowing inner and outer joy, peaceful serenity, wholeness, soundness, safety, health, prosperity, tranquility of mind, etc. His peace is a whole package that enables you for a life of grace and victory. It’s a lasting covenant; and in it, there is life!
P.S: Check out these songs for more on peace: https://youtu.be/uW6xcmqfiY4 and https://youtu.be/stNmjok7HdU
Never forget,
One Response
I’m so blessed by this Piece, it’s the Best ever write up, I’ve read in the recent. With the Lekki Toll gate killings of our children, sincerely, I lost it! I used to pride myself on holding up in the face of challenges. But this blew my mind, I was walking about dazed for days and intermittently for no reason will just burst into tears. I knew I needed help, I was on the verge of depression and couldn’t help myself. It took God’s intervention in His Word and Worship that gradually brought me back to life. And this message really capped it for me. Thank God for His Peace, it’s really a force to reckon with in times of hopelessness and helplessness, in time trouble and chaos, uncertainty and in the storm. Thank You Jesus, Your Peace You have given, Your Peace I receive. AMEN 🙏
Thank you Amaka, more grace and auction for impact in your life in Jesus Christ name 🙏